A Qualitative study of cough in IPF: patient and carer perspectives

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A qualitative study of patient and carer perspectives of cough in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

• IRAS ID

  236910

• Contact name

  Ben Hope-Gill

• Contact email

  ben.hope-gill@wales.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 0 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a condition that causes progressive scarring of the lungs. It has a rising incidence in the UK and the median survival is 2-3 years from diagnosis. There is currently no cure for IPF and a only a few medications that slow the rate of progression, so one of the main aims is to try and improve symptoms of the disease.

  One of the most distressing symptoms is a dry cough, which is experienced by more than 80% of patients and is associated with a reduced quality of life. We do not properly understand the cause of cough, which makes it difficult to treat. We think that some of the nerves are over-sensitive and part of the feeling of needing to cough, involves the brain. There are many things that may influence the way the brain recognises the sensation of needing to cough; some of these could involve feelings of anxiety and depression, personality and the state of the mind.

  To gain a detailed understanding of this, we will hold interviews with 10-15 patients with IPF and their carers. The interviews will be semi-structured to prompt discussion and allow the interviewer to explore particular themes in more depth. It will be audio taped, transcribed and analysed to look for themes.

  The interviews will last 30-60mins and explore:
  • Triggers and relievers of cough
  • Underlying psychosocial factors (e.g. mood, personality traits)
  • Awareness of cough and resultant change of behaviours
  • Differences in perceptions between patient and carer

  At the end of the interview, patients will be asked to complete a 3-page questionnaire, rating cough sensations and triggers.

  The patients for will be recruited from a larger group that have already consented to take part in a questionnaire survey “Psychological Processes and Cough in IPF". This will allow us to compare questionnaire results with more detailed interview knowledge.

• REC name

  Wales REC 5

• REC reference

  18/WA/0146

• Date of REC Opinion

  24 Apr 2018

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion