Linked studies

Evaluation of a simple COPD screener as a novel screening test for case finding for COPD in primary care

Using a case-control design (n=496 patients) embedded within the Birmingham COPD cohort study, we plan to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Vitalograph lung monitor as a simple screening test for COPD in primary care. This will be administered to people reporting respiratory symptoms, compared to the gold standard QDS. Additionally, we will undertake further sub-group exploration of whether pre or post bronchodilator testing is better, exploring the optimal cut-off point and whether there are combinations of specific questions with the COPD screener results which improve its performance as a screening test.

Aim of study 

To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a telephone-based primary care self-management intervention for patients with COPD with mild dyspnoea compared to usual care. This study is funded by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research.

NIHR School for Primary Care Research

National Institute for Health Research
Room 132
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2NS

Chief Investigators

• Professor Kate Jolly
• Professor David Fitzmaurice

Aim of Study

There is a general belief that COPD is far more prevalent than accounted for by patients with a clinical diagnosis. It is largely unknown whether this undiagnosed population represents patients with early disease or disease with a milder impact. As part of the BLISS project individuals will be identified with symptoms suggestive of COPD but with spirometry within the normal range. We are studying these patients in detail including collecting information on health status, full physiology including gas transfer, evidence of emphysema on CT scan and the appropriate blood tests together with evidence of other co-morbidity such as vascular disease. This study is funded by the National Schools of Primary Care Research.

Chief Investigators

• Professor David Fitzmaurice
• Professor Robert Stockley

Aims of Study

This NIHR-funded fellowship aims to investigate ways of identifying patients with undiagnosed COPD in primary care. There are essentially three interlinked projects:

1. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of screening for COPD in primary care;
2. Development and validation of risk prediction models for identifying patients with undiagnosed COPD in primary care;
3. Exploring the views of primary healthcare providers on case finding for COPD.

These three projects aim to improve the efficiency of COPD case finding and to gain an insight into the views of clinicians on the early detection of COPD in primary care.

Chief Investigator

Dr Shamil Haroon

Aim of Study

This PhD research project aims to elucidate the existing debate around the significance of “COPD GOLD stage 0” on patients’ health and on the health care system. Furthermore, the results will help determine whether there is a rationale for identifying and targeting these patients as having a future risk of COPD.

The PhD student is Dr Halima Buni.

Aim of Study

To explore and quantify the association, and relative contribution, between psychological, behavioural and social factors to impaired health related quality of life in people with stable and moderate or worse physiological severity of COPD. To inform subsequent feasibility RCTs aimed to target non-pharmacological interventions for people with COPD. This study is funded by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research and is a collaboration with the University of Southampton.

Chief Investigators

• Dr Sarah Brien
• Professor Tony Kendrick.