Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Development of the Drug and Alcohol Respiratory Health Test

This study aims to develop a quick and easy test called the Drug and Alcohol Respiratory Health Test (DARHT). This test will help doctors check the lung health of adults who use substances like tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, or alcohol. Many people in this group have breathing problems that are often missed, partly because it can be hard for them to get medical care or due to stigmas. There isn't a specific tool in the NHS to screen for these issues, meaning lung problems can be overlooked. The goal is for the DARHT to be used routinely in clinics to spot lung conditions like COPD, asthma, or bronchitis early. Finding these problems sooner means people can get referred to specialist care and support, hopefully improving their health and quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

260

Start

15 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

11 Nov 2025

Respiratory Disease Substance-Related Disorders COPD Asthma Lung Cancer Tuberculosis Bronchitis Pneumonia Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is this study about?

Many adults who use certain substances, like tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, or alcohol, can also have breathing problems. These lung issues can include common conditions like COPD (a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult), asthma, or even other serious problems. Often, these lung problems aren't spotted early enough. This can happen for a few reasons: sometimes it's hard for people to get medical help, there might be feelings of shame or judgment, or simply because there isn't a good way to quickly check for these problems in places like addiction services.

Currently, doctors don't have a simple, specific test to screen for lung health issues in adults who use substances. This means that important symptoms might be missed or thought to be something else. The main aim of this study is to create a new, easy-to-use test called the Drug and Alcohol Respiratory Health Test (DARHT). This test is designed to be a quick way to check if someone might have a lung problem that needs further attention.

The researchers want to see if the DARHT can accurately identify lung problems compared to a standard breathing test called spirometry, which is currently the best way to diagnose many lung conditions. If the DARHT works well, it could be used routinely in clinics. This would help doctors find lung problems sooner, ensuring people get the right referrals to specialists or other services, and ultimately helping them lead healthier lives.

Key takeaways

This study develops a simple lung health test for adults who use certain substances.
It aims to find breathing problems like COPD or asthma early, which are often missed.
Taking part involves two short visits for questionnaires and simple breathing tests.
If a lung problem is suspected, you'll be referred for further medical care.
Participation could improve your chances of getting timely treatment for lung issues.
All your information will be kept confidential.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are adults (18 years old or older, with no upper age limit). To take part, you must have used tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, opioids (like heroin or morphine), or alcohol in the last 28 days. You also need to have your own mobile phone so the study team can contact you for follow-up appointments.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you have a health condition that would make a spirometry test (a common lung function test) unsafe, such as having had a heart attack, an unstable form of angina (chest pain), or a blood clot in your lungs recently, you unfortunately can't take part. Also, if you've had certain surgeries in the last three months – specifically on your eye, chest, or stomach – that would also make the spirometry test unsafe, you won’t be able to participate.

Finally, if you are currently involved with the criminal justice system and there's a risk you might be imprisoned, which would stop you from completing the study, then you wouldn't be able to join this study. The researchers want to make sure everyone who starts the study can finish it properly.

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?
Have you used tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, or alcohol in the last 28 days?
Do you have your own mobile phone?
Have you had a heart attack, unstable angina, or a blood clot in your lungs recently?
Have you had eye, chest, or stomach surgery in the last 3 months?
Are you able to attend appointments without risk of incarceration soon?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, here’s what would happen:

1. **First Visit:** You'll complete a short questionnaire that includes the new DARHT test questions. After that, you'll have two simple tests: a spirometry test (where you blow into a machine to check your lung function) and a pulse oximetry test (where a small device measures oxygen in your blood from your fingertip). 2. **Second Visit:** You'll be asked to return to the clinic 3 to 7 days later. During this visit, a different interviewer will ask you the DARHT questions again. This helps the researchers check if the test results are consistent. 3. **Referral (if needed):** If the DARHT or the spirometry test suggests you might have a lung problem, the study team will refer you to a local doctor or specialist for further checks and care. 4. **Follow-up:** About 6 weeks after any referral, the researchers will contact you to see how you're getting on. They will also ask you to complete two short questionnaires (PHQ-4 and EQ-5D-L) which help to understand changes in your mood and quality of life. 5. **Lung Health Clinic (for some):** The first 20 participants who are referred to a specialist will also be invited to a special 'Lung Health Clinic'. Here, you can receive additional advice and support to help you manage your health.

There are no medications involved in this study, only questionnaires and simple tests. The total duration of your active involvement will be over a few weeks, primarily two clinic visits and a follow-up phone call.

Potential risks and benefits

Any potential benefit of taking part is that if the tests show you have a lung problem, you'll be referred for further medical care that you might not have received otherwise. You might also gain support and advice from the Lung Health Clinic if invited. Potential risks are generally minimal; spirometry can sometimes cause mild dizziness or coughing, but it's a routine and safe procedure. There are no known risks from completing the questionnaires. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

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

South London & Maudsley NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What exactly is the DARHT test?

The DARHT (Drug and Alcohol Respiratory Health Test) is a new, quick set of questions designed to help doctors find out if you might have breathing problems, especially if you use certain substances.

What is spirometry?

Spirometry is a common breathing test where you take a deep breath and then blow as hard and fast as you can into a machine. It helps doctors check how well your lungs are working.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes, all your personal information and test results will be kept strictly confidential and anonymous to protect your privacy.

Do I have to stop using substances to be part of the study?

No, you don't need to stop. The study is specifically looking for people who have used tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, or alcohol in the last 28 days.

What happens if a lung problem is found?

If the tests suggest you might have a lung problem, the study team will refer you to your local doctor or a specialist for more checks and appropriate care.

How to find out more

John Marsden, B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD, PgDiP CBT

john.marsden@kcl.ac.uk +44 02078365454 Official trial record

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