RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

My Lung Health Coach-A Virtual COPD Self-management Support Program Integrated Into the Electronic Patient Record

This study is testing a new online coaching program called 'My Lung Health Coach' (MLHC) for people living with COPD. Over 12 weeks, you'll have one-on-one video calls with a lung health expert. They'll teach you about COPD, how to manage your symptoms, and give advice on things like exercise, healthy eating, and understanding your medications. It also includes an app to help you track your progress and connect with your healthcare team. The aim is to see how well this program helps people with COPD look after themselves and if the app makes it even easier to take part. This program was created with input from people who have COPD, making sure it addresses real-life needs.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Women's College Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

15 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

05 Jun 2026

Copd

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new way to help people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) manage their condition better. It's called 'My Lung Health Coach' (MLHC), and it's a special online program designed to support you right from your home. Over roughly three months, you'll have personal video calls with an expert who knows a lot about lung health. They'll talk you through important topics like understanding COPD, how to use your inhalers properly, ways to stay active, looking after your mental well-being, and even what to do when your symptoms act up. The goal is to give you the knowledge and tools to feel more in control of your COPD.

Along with the coaching sessions, there's also a special app developed to work directly with the program. You can use this app on your phone, tablet, or computer. It's designed to help you keep track of what you're learning, complete little tasks to practise your self-management skills, and easily share your progress with your doctors and nurses. This means your healthcare team can stay up-to-date with how you're doing and offer support when you need it.

This whole project aims to find out if this online coaching and app combination is a good, practical way to help people with COPD manage their health. The people who created MLHC worked with a lung health charity and even included ideas from people who have COPD themselves, so it's built around real experiences. We want to see if it truly helps people with COPD feel better and manage their daily lives more effectively.

Key takeaways

Learn to manage your COPD better with expert online coaching.
Get personalised advice through one-on-one video calls over 12 weeks.
Use a helpful app to track your progress and stay connected with your care team.
The program is designed with input from people who have COPD.
It aims to make you feel more in control of your health from home.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be diagnosed with COPD by a specialist doctor at Women's College Hospital and be 40 years old or older. You also need to have been a smoker at some point in your life, either currently or in the past.

It's preferred, but not essential, if you've had at least one COPD flare-up in the last year that needed treatment like steroids or antibiotics, or an urgent visit to a healthcare professional. You also need to be willing to join the study and use the special app on your phone, tablet, or computer.

You won't be able to join if you've had a COPD flare-up in the last four weeks, or if you also have asthma that's been diagnosed by a specialist at Women's College Hospital. Other reasons you might not be able to join include having other serious health problems that could make it difficult to take part, being pregnant, or if you aren't able to use the app or don't have a suitable device for it.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 40 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with COPD by a specialist at Women's College Hospital?
Are you currently a smoker or have you smoked in the past?
Do you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer that can run an app?
Are you willing and able to use the app and have online video calls?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll take part in the 'My Lung Health Coach' program over 12 weeks. This involves six one-on-one video calls with a Certified Respiratory Educator, spread out during this period. You'll also be asked to use a companion app on your phone, tablet, or computer, which helps you track your progress and complete small tasks related to your learning. There are no specific medications given as part of this study, as it focuses on education and support for managing your existing COPD. We will monitor your progress with the program and app. The total duration of your active participation in the coaching program is 12 weeks, with potential follow-up to see how you're doing after the program finishes.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include gaining a better understanding of your COPD, learning new ways to manage your symptoms, and feeling more confident in looking after your health through personalised coaching. Although there are no direct medical risks, using new technology might be a minor challenge for some. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Womens College Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.

How does the 'My Lung Health Coach' program work?

It's an online program where you have one-on-one video calls with a lung health expert over 12 weeks to help you manage your COPD.

Do I need special equipment for this study?

You'll need a phone, tablet, or computer with internet access to use the coaching program and the companion app.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study is about support and education and doesn't involve any new medications.

Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Andrew Kouri, MD

andrew.kouri@wchospital.ca (416) 323-6400 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.