RecruitingPHASE1INTERVENTIONAL

To Identify if a COPD Self-management App Can Safety and Appropriately Identify When Patients Are Not on the Best Medication Plan for Their COPD Symptoms and Support Their COPD Management.

We are testing a new feature within a mobile app called MMH-LAB1. This app is designed to help people living with COPD manage their condition better. The new feature uses a smart tool to look at your symptoms and current medications. It then compares your treatment to the most up-to-date guidelines for COPD care. If it finds that your medication plan might not be the best fit, it will suggest you talk to your healthcare team. The study wants to find out if this new app feature is safe, helpful, and easy for people to use. Ultimately, we hope it can lead to better control of COPD symptoms and fewer sudden worsening of the condition, known as 'exacerbations'.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

PHASE1

Sponsor

University of Southampton

Enrolment target

746

Start

08 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Respiration Disorders

What is this study about?

Living with COPD can be challenging, and while there's no cure, managing it well can significantly improve your quality of life. This often involves using inhaled medicines. Sometimes, however, the medication plan a person is on might not fully match the most current medical advice, either because of outdated guidelines or simply not being perfectly tailored to their needs. This can lead to ongoing symptoms or more frequent flare-ups of their condition.

That's where this study comes in. We are testing a new feature within a mobile app called MMH-LAB1. This app is a bit like a personal assistant for your COPD. It allows you to regularly record how you're feeling, your symptoms, and what medicines you're taking. The special new feature we're testing has a 'smart' part that looks at your symptoms and your current medication. It then compares this information to the latest recommended guidelines for treating COPD. If the app thinks your current medication plan could be improved according to these guidelines, it will let you know and suggest you have a chat with your doctor or nurse.

The main goal of this study is to see if this new app feature is safe to use, actually helps people get the best possible treatment for their COPD, and if people find it easy and useful. We hope that by helping people ensure their medication is as up-to-date and effective as possible, they will experience better control over their symptoms, feel better generally, and have fewer frustrating flare-ups.

Key takeaways

This study tests a new app feature for people with COPD.
The app aims to help you and your doctor check if your medication is up-to-date with guidelines.
It could lead to better symptom control and fewer flare-ups.
You'll be randomly assigned to one of two app groups.
Your medication will only be changed by your doctor, not the app.
Your involvement helps improve care for people with COPD.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old and already have a clear diagnosis of COPD. You must also be a registered and active user of the original myCOPD app. This means you've used it in the last year to record your symptoms, how you're feeling, and your medication.

You also need to be able to read and write in English, as this is important for understanding the study information and using the app correctly. Importantly, you must have agreed to take part in research through your myCOPD app settings.

There are different categories of COPD, and the study will make sure participants fit into certain groups based on their symptoms and how often they have flare-ups.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of COPD?
Are you already an active user of the myCOPD app?
Have you used the myCOPD app to record your symptoms and medication in the last year?
Can you read and write in English?
Have you agreed to take part in research through the myCOPD app settings?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups. Neither you nor the researchers will choose which group you're in; it's like flipping a coin. Both groups will use the MMH-LAB1 app, but with a slight difference.

One group (the 'control' group) will use the app to record their COPD symptoms and medications, just like a diary. The other group (the 'intervention' group) will do the same, but their app will also have the new smart feature. This feature will look at their symptoms and medication and, if needed, suggest they talk to their healthcare professional about their treatment.

The study will first involve a smaller group of around 50 people to make sure everything works smoothly. After that, a larger group of about 746 people, including the first 50, will take part. Some participants will also be asked to share their experiences in more detail through interviews. The total duration of your involvement will be confirmed by the study team, but generally involves using the app regularly.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this always has potential benefits and potential risks. A possible benefit is that the app might help you and your doctor ensure your COPD medication is the most appropriate for you, potentially leading to better symptom control and fewer flare-ups. You would also be contributing to important research that could help many other people with COPD in the future. As for risks, using an app is generally low-risk. The main thing is that the app will suggest you talk to your doctor, it won't change your medication itself. You always have the right to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Southampton
Verified postcode
Southampton, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a common lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe. It can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, a cough, and wheezing.

What is an 'exacerbation'?

An exacerbation is when your COPD symptoms suddenly get worse, like a flare-up. It might mean more shortness of breath, more coughing, or changes in your mucus. These can sometimes require extra treatment or a visit to the doctor.

What does 'randomised' mean?

Being 'randomised' means you're put into a group by chance, like flipping a coin. It makes sure the study is fair and that the results are reliable. Neither you nor the study team chooses which group you're in.

Will the app change my medication?

No, the app will not change your medication. It will only provide information to you and suggest that you talk to your doctor or nurse if it thinks your current medication plan could be reviewed against the latest guidelines. All medication changes must be made by your healthcare professional.

What is a 'pilot phase'?

A pilot phase is a small, initial part of a study. It's like a practice run, used to check if the study methods work well and if there are any issues that need to be fixed before the main, larger part of the study begins.

How to find out more

Trial Manager

mysmartcopd@soton.ac.uk +44 23 8059 6920 Official trial record

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