COPD and Assistive technology  (CPMS 56437, IRAS 328323)

UPDATED - 22/01/2024

Study Summary

Aim: Assistive technology (AT) are devices developed for people with disability or for those with difficulty in performing everyday routine activities. AT is wide-ranging from falls sensor alarms to home adaptations like stair lifts and includes digital technology. The study aim is to find out whether AT can improve health, wellbeing and quality of life of people with lung-problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (also referred to as chronic bronchitis or emphysema) and how getting and using AT can help them to live more independently.

Background: COPD is physically disabling, and people often have other long-term conditions which can make their health even worse. Carrying out daily activities can be difficult due to shortness of breath, cough or tiredness. AT is prioritised by the government as a way to support people living with disability such as COPD to live more independently and save money. But there is not enough information on how AT can help people with COPD and in what way.

Method: This study is an interview study and includes speaking to around 15 people with COPD who also have other long-term conditions, carers/family members (up to 10) and professionals (up to 20) about problems related to AT, the solutions available and how they could be used to improve getting AT that is suitable to people in most need.

Study benefits: The study will raise awareness and Create more opportunities for people with COPD and their carers to get AT that is suitable, acceptable and timely to support independent living. The study findings will reach public and professional networks

Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria

INCLUSION: Adults with ability to give informed consent:

1. Patients

• with moderate to very severe COPD using the Medical Research Council (MRC) Breathlessness score of 3 or above,(62) using the GOLD criteria (i.e. FEV1 <80% predicted)(63) or a criteria used by clinical teams for COPD diagnosis

• and with MM i.e. having one or more long term condition e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety, depression, long Covid

• with any experience of AT (referral for needs assessment to social care, occupational therapist e.g. at hospital discharge, self-referral for needs assessment, discussion at needs assessment appointment, offer of AT, purchase of AT, access to AT, use of AT, decided not to use/discontinue use of AT)

These patients may be on oxygen and they may be housebound. These patients are likely to be older and likely to experience more negative impacts on their health and health care use. A patient is deemed housebound if they are unable to leave their home at all or if they require significant assistance to leave the house due to illness or frailty e.g. in a wheelchair. 

2. Carers

• of people with COPD (who might be a family or friend who provides help and support to patient at home,(64) or if they provide unpaid care to someone who couldn’t manage without this help e.g. help with day-today tasks, errands, housekeeping, meal preparation) with any involvement in relation to AT service provision on behalf or with patient with COPD. They do not need to reside with the patient.

3. Professionals (health and social care professionals, AT professionals e.g. AT suppliers, designers)

• involved in AT service provision in area of COPD/area of long-term conditions/area of ageing 

EXCLUSION:

• Aged under 18 years

• Inability to give informed consent

• Additionally for patients – mild COPD, not having a COPD diagnosis

• Additionally for patient and carer - unstable/unmanaged physical or psychological conditions which would impair their ability to take part in an interview such as moderate to severe cognitive impairment

• Additionally for patient and carer – no involvement/experience with AT

Study Resources

Access for the SystmOne and EMIS study resources can be requested below.

For further guidance on using the resources, please refer to the guidance documents and further useful information on the PRIDES page.

The searches have been created with the study specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. 

If you require any further information or help, please contact the IT Specialists:

Jodie Button – jodie.button@nihr.ac.uk

Chris Wright – chris.wright@nihr.ac.uk

Disclaimer:

Please note the resources provided are designed to assist with the identification of potentially suitable patients and to appropriately code these patients if required.

These resources have been developed based on the criteria provided by the relevant study team and whilst every effort has been made to make them universally implementable they rely on read codes and the data stored in the individual practice's clinical system. These resources are intended to assist with identification but should be used in conjunction with clinical oversight and a clear understanding of the study parameters.

While we endeavour to keep the information, tools and resources provided up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the tools provided for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

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