Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Validation of an Artificial Intelligence Enabled Diagnostic Support Software (ArtiQ.Spiro) in Primary Care Spirometry Datasets - a Retrospective Analysis

This study is reviewing past lung function test results, called spirometry, collected from adult patients in GP surgeries and other community clinics across the UK. Researchers are using a special computer program called ArtiQ.Spiro, which uses artificial intelligence (AI), to see how well it can help identify breathing conditions and check the quality of these tests. The main goal is to compare the AI program's findings with diagnoses made by experienced lung specialists (consultants). This will help determine if AI could be a useful tool to support doctors in diagnosing respiratory diseases more effectively in the future. The study uses anonymised data, meaning no personal identifiable information of patients is included.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Jul 2022

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2025

Respiratory Disease

What is this study about?

Imagine a smart computer program that could help doctors understand your lung function tests better. That's what this study is all about. Researchers are taking a look back at existing lung function test results, called spirometry, that were done in GP surgeries and other local clinics for patients with breathing problems like coughs or shortness of breath. They're using a new artificial intelligence (AI) program, called ArtiQ.Spiro, to see if it can accurately help diagnose breathing conditions and check how good the quality of the spirometry test was.

Think of it like this: the AI program is given the test results, and it tries to suggest what breathing condition a person might have and if their test was done correctly. To check how well the AI program does this, experienced lung specialists (consultants) are also reviewing the same anonymised patient information and making their own diagnoses. The study then compares the AI's suggestions with the diagnoses made by the human experts.

The main reason for doing this is to explore if AI tools could be helpful for doctors in the future. If ArtiQ.Spiro proves to be accurate, it could potentially support GPs in making earlier and more precise diagnoses for people with breathing difficulties, which could lead to better care. This is a "retrospective" study, meaning it looks at data that has already been collected, so no new tests are being done on patients as part of this research.

Key takeaways

This study uses an AI program to review past lung function tests.
It aims to see if AI can help doctors diagnose breathing problems better.
Only anonymised patient data is used, so no personal details are shared.
No new tests or patient contact are involved in this research.
The goal is to improve future care for people with breathing difficulties.
Expert lung doctors are comparing their diagnoses with the AI's suggestions.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information from adults aged 18 or older who had a lung function test (spirometry) because they had breathing symptoms like a cough, wheezing, or feeling short of breath. The test must have been done in a place like a GP surgery or a local clinic, not in a hospital as part of a major operation check-up, and supervised by a healthcare professional.

Your information would not be included if you were under 18, didn't have any breathing symptoms, had your lung test specifically for an operation or as part of another research study, or if your test was done at home without a healthcare professional supervising.

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.

I am 18 years old or older.
I had a breathing symptom like a cough or shortness of breath.
My lung test (spirometry) was done in a GP surgery or local clinic.
My spirometry test was supervised by a healthcare professional.
My spirometry test was not done for a surgery check-up or another research study.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Good news! You don't need to do anything to participate in this study. It's a "retrospective" study, which means it looks at existing, already collected information. Researchers are reviewing anonymised spirometry data that's already stored in medical records. Your personal identity will be kept completely confidential, and no new tests or appointments are needed from you.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study is looking back at anonymised information that already exists, there are no direct risks to you as an individual. You also won't gain any direct personal benefits, as no new treatments are being tested on people. However, the study could lead to a better understanding of how AI tools can help doctors diagnose breathing conditions more quickly and accurately in the future, benefiting many patients in the long run. Because no individuals are directly involved or identifiable, there is no personal right to withdraw specific data once it has been anonymised for the study.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Harefield Hospital
Verified postcode
Middlesex, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is spirometry?

Spirometry is a common breathing test that measures how much air you can breathe out and how quickly. It helps doctors check how well your lungs are working.

What is ArtiQ.Spiro?

ArtiQ.Spiro is a computer program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help interpret spirometry results, suggest possible diagnoses, and check the quality of the test.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, absolutely. All patient information used in this study is 'de-identified' or 'anonymised.' This means all personal details like your name, address, and date of birth are removed, so no one can link the data back to you.

Will this study help me directly?

This study won't directly help you as an individual today, as it looks at past data. However, the findings could help doctors improve how they diagnose breathing problems in the future, which could benefit everyone.

Why is this study important?

It's important because it helps us understand if new technologies like AI can help doctors in local clinics diagnose breathing conditions more accurately and efficiently. This could lead to better care for people with lung problems.