We have now commenced a new research study supported by the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR Nottingham Clinical Research Facility with additional funding from AstraZeneca.
The study is being led by Professor Charlotte Bolton from the NIHR Nottingham BRC Respiratory Theme and University of Nottingham.
COPD Case Finding In Nottingham and District: C-FIND COPD A Pilot study
RESEARCH QUESTION / AIM(S)
To undertake a pilot study to determine the uptake of lung health assessments offered in the community and the implications for COPD and early COPD diagnosis.
To assess the uptake and acceptability of doing clinical research in the community in a mobile research unit, in areas of deprivation.
What is the purpose of the study?
We are researching whether a lung health check, done in the community using a mobile clinic area, of people at risk of a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is acceptable and useful.
COPD is a lung condition that can cause breathlessness and cough. It can affect how much walking people can do. People who have smoked are particularly at risk. There are treatments to improve symptoms and we know picking up the changes early is helpful. However, knowing the best system to offer these lung health checks is less clear.
Recently, the NHS has started offering a CT scan to certain people at high risk of a lung cancer. These people are also at risk of COPD. Further, we know that some surgeries are very busy, and provision of the lung health checks can be difficult.
We are therefore starting the study using a mobile research clinic area and offering a lung health check including some questionnaires and a breathing test. We are inviting some people who have had a CT scan of their lungs and where the clinical team are happy that does not need further clinic visits itself. We will also be open to people who self-present if they are at risk. If results have clinical relevance, we are seeking permission to let your GP surgery know.