BREEZE-IPF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility, randomised controlled trial of a complex breathlessness intervention in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (BREEZE-IPF).
IRAS ID
239706
Contact name
Michael G Crooks
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN13784514
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a scarring lung disease that affects older adults. It usually progresses over time leading to disabling shortness of breath and cough. Unfortunately, although medications can slow down the rate of lung scarring, they do not improve patients’ symptoms or quality of life. Shortness of breath is the most common symptom in IPF and the one which has the biggest impact on patients’ lives. Treatments for breathlessness have been shown to be effective for people with other lung conditions but we do not know whether they work for people with IPF. It is important that treatments are properly tested in IPF to help patients, doctors and policy makers make correct treatment decisions.
When designing a study to test a treatment's effectiveness we need to understand how many patients will be suitable and willing to take part and how many complete all study tests and measurements. We also need to identify the best measurements to use and ensure that they are meaningful to patients and their carers. We will conduct a feasibility study to answer these questions.
Breathless IPF patients will be randomly selected to receive the breathlessness treatment straight away or be placed on a waiting list to start the treatment 8 weeks later. The treatment will involve training patients in techniques to help their breathing. It will be delivered by a specialist therapist during 2 hour-long appointments and a telephone call over 3 weeks. Assessment of breathlessness and quality of life and measurement of daily activity will be performed at the start of the study and repeated every four weeks for a total of 16 weeks.
At the end of this study, we will know if a larger study is possible, whether it is potentially cost effective and how this study should be designed.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0147
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion