John participated in the INCOGNITO trial which is a partnership between Professor Dominick Shaw at Nottingham City Hospital and Professor James Chalmers at the University of Dundee, Scotland.
What was the purpose of this trial?
The trial compared two different inhalers that are both licensed for treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and monitored each participant for 6 months.
Hi John, can you begin by telling us your experience with COPD? When were you diagnosed and how did you find out?
About 6 or 7 years ago, I went to the doctors and I couldn’t stop coughing and he thought I had pneumonia so he sent me to the hospital and they examined me and did various tests. The doctor there told me that I didn’t have pneumonia and that I had COPD! And then, they contacted my own doctor and put me on their inhalers.
What impact has COPD had on your day to day to life?
It’s gotten worse. I find shortness of breath and tiredness is generally weakening.
Have you been involved in research previously?
I came to Nottingham and taken part in a trial very similar to what I’m doing now but can’t remember exactly. 4 or 5 years ago, Nottingham hospital contacted me on a separate thing to what we’re doing now.
Is there a particular reason why you joined this trial?
I just thought and hoped with new inhalers…until you try something you don’t know. I think they are much better in the [one I was randomised to] I only had to take it once a day and that means I don’t forget it. Whether it’s doing me better or not I don’t know as I feel COPD is a slow decline.
Would you participate in research again?
Oh yes, definitely!
So we haven’t put you off?
No.
Any advice for anyone wanting to take part in research in the future?
I would say do it, definitely. Doesn’t hurt, doesn’t cost anything. I think you’re all very good here. I like coming, and that for a hospital…[laughs]
We’ll take that as a compliment! So have you enjoyed any particular aspects?
It’s been most interesting and hope it does good.
Is there anything else you would like to add in general?
No.