Structured Review: To Optimise Management and Prevent Harm in COPD
This study focuses on people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who experience frequent flare-ups. These flare-ups often require steroid tablets, which can have unwanted side effects like bone thinning or weight gain. The main goal of this research is to reduce these flare-ups and the need for steroids. We'll do this by giving participants a thorough health check-up, like a mini-MOT for your body. This check-up will improve their COPD treatment and look for other common health issues that might be making symptoms worse or mistaken for flare-ups. By giving you a personalised plan, we hope to improve your overall health and well-being, and reduce hospital visits related to COPD.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a serious lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. Many people with COPD experience sudden worsenings of their symptoms, called 'flare-ups'. These flare-ups can be very distressing, often leading to hospital visits, a dip in overall health, and sometimes, a greater risk of serious health problems. These flare-ups usually need steroid tablets to help you recover, but taking these regularly can lead to side effects like weight gain, weaker bones, or diabetes. This study wants to find better ways to manage COPD to reduce how often you have these flare-ups and lessen your need for steroid tablets.
Sometimes, other health issues might be mistaken for COPD flare-ups, or they might even make your COPD worse. These conditions, like heart problems, share similar symptoms and might not have been diagnosed yet. On top of that, some people with COPD might not be getting the most effective treatments available to prevent their flare-ups. This study aims to tackle these issues head-on. We'll provide a comprehensive 'health MOT' that looks not only at your lungs but also for other health problems that could be affecting you. We’ll also make sure you’re receiving the best possible treatments for your COPD.
The main goal is to see if this thorough check-up and personalised treatment plan can reduce the number of flare-ups that need steroid tablets over a year. By improving how we manage your COPD and identifying other health concerns, we hope to improve your overall health, reduce the side effects from steroids, and help you live a better quality of life. This research is also a top priority identified by patient groups and medical experts, ensuring it focuses on what truly matters to people living with COPD.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to reduce COPD flare-ups and the need for steroid tablets.
- It offers a complete health check-up, like a mini-MOT, to improve your overall health.
- The focus is on personalised care, addressing both lung health and other conditions.
- Participation involves an initial half-day hospital visit and 12 months of follow-up.
- The goal is to improve how COPD is managed and enhance participants' quality of life.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you need to have a diagnosis of COPD that has been recorded by your GP for at least a year. You also need to be 35 years old or older. A key requirement is that you've had at least three instances where you've been prescribed steroid tablets (like prednisolone) for a COPD flare-up in the past 12 months. Each of these times should have been at least two weeks apart. You must also be generally stable and well enough to take part at the beginning of the study, meaning no recent serious illness or flare-ups within the last month.
However, some things might mean you can't join. For example, if you're currently taking strong steroid tablets every day or have been within the last year, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you have another illness that doctors expect will shorten your life to less than 12 months (other than COPD itself), or if you are housebound, you won't be able to participate. If you've had a lung transplant or need special home breathing support (non-invasive ventilation), you also wouldn't qualify. We need to make sure that participants can safely and fully take part in all aspects of the study.
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.
- Is your COPD diagnosis recorded by your GP for over a year?
- Are you 35 years old or older?
- Have you used steroid tablets (like prednisolone) for 3 or more COPD flare-ups in the last year?
- Are you generally stable and well, without a recent serious illness or flare-up in the last month?
- Are you not currently taking daily strong steroid tablets, or haven't in the last year?
- Are you not housebound, don't have a lung transplant, or don't use home non-invasive breathing support?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have a thorough check-up at the hospital, which will last about half a day. Think of it like a full service for your health. During this visit, you'll see a doctor, fill out some questionnaires about your health, have blood tests, breathing tests (lung function tests), and scans of your chest (like a CT scan). We’ll also do some checks on your heart, measure your blood pressure and BMI, and check your oxygen levels. You might also receive flu, pneumonia, or RSV vaccines if appropriate.
After this initial visit, a team of experts will review all your information and create a personalised treatment plan for you. The study then follows you for 12 months. During this year, you'll have check-ins every three months. We'll collect information on things like how many times you visit the emergency room, any serious heart issues, how often you've needed steroid tablets for your COPD flare-ups, and your overall well-being through short questionnaires. The total duration of your active participation in the study will be one year.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Northumbria NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeNorth Shields, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is COPD?
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a common lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, often causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
What is a 'flare-up'?
A flare-up, or exacerbation, is when your COPD symptoms suddenly get worse, such as increased breathlessness, coughing, or more mucus. These can be serious and often require treatment.
Why is this study looking at other health conditions?
Other health conditions, like heart problems, can have similar symptoms to COPD or make your COPD worse. By checking for these, we can make sure you get the right treatment for all your health needs.
Will I have to pay for anything?
No, all assessments, tests, and medical reviews related to this study will be provided at no cost to you.
Can I continue with my usual doctor's appointments?
Yes, this study is designed to work alongside your regular medical care. You should continue to see your GP and other specialists as usual.
How to find out more
Ruth E Sobala, MBBS
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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