ILD: Health Outcomes in Remote Digital Monitoring Versus Usual Care

To join this study, you need to have a specific type of lung scarring called fibrotic interstitial lung disease. You also need to be at least 18 years old and own a smartphone or tablet that you know how to use – meaning you've used apps and email before. It's also important that you have a mobile phone number, an email address, and internet access at home.

Your lung function would need to have been recently checked (in the last six months) and you should be planning to have at least two clinic appointments (either in person or online) over the next year. You'd also need to be willing to measure your lung function and oxygen levels at home, three times a week, throughout the study. Finally, you would need to be able to speak and understand English and give your permission to be part of the study.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have memory problems, have struggled with lung function tests before, or have certain other health conditions like a history of a collapsed lung or an unstable heart condition. If you're already involved in another research study, or if your doctor thinks managing your breathing problem at home might be risky for you, you won't be able to take part.

If you join this study, you'll be placed into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. One group will continue with their usual medical care for their lung condition. The other group will also receive their usual care but will additionally use a special app on their smartphone or tablet.

If you're in the remote monitoring group, the study team will provide you with two small devices: a spirometer (to measure your breathing) and an oximeter (to check your oxygen levels). These devices connect to the app on your phone or tablet using a wireless connection. You'll be asked to use these devices to take measurements three times a week. Your healthcare team will then review these measurements online at least every two weeks. The study will last for 12 months, during which we'll collect information from both groups to compare their health outcomes.