COPD in Illicit Drug Users
Research type
Research Study
Full title
COPD IN ILLICIT DRUG USERS: How does severity and progression predict healthcare seeking and treatment?
IRAS ID
235151
Contact name
Rebecca Nightingale
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 9 days
Research summary
Aim of the study: To determine the rate of decline in lung function in illicit drug users in Liverpool. In addition, to determine severity and progression of chronic lung disease and its relationship with acute health care seeking in illicit drug users (particularly those smoking heroin) with known COPD in Liverpool.
Background: Illicit drugs users, particularly heroin smokers appear to have increased risk of acute presentations with respiratory disease, however tend not to present to available primary care facilities. In areas with a high number of illicit drugs users such as Liverpool, this puts an increased burden on acute respiratory services and A & E departments. The individual is likely to experience poorer continuity of care if they repeatedly use different acute services rather than primary care. Despite this there are few studies that focus on illicit drug users with COPD. There are no longitudinal studies that document their lung function patterns or how this relates to their acute health needs. This information is required to develop care pathways that focus on improving care and delivering a quality service to people who have real healthcare needs.
Methods: A cohort study of over 18 year-olds that have previous accessible spirometry and attend Addaction clinics in Liverpool. Addaction (https://www.addaction.org.uk) provide treatment services on behalf of the NHS for illicit drug users. Spirometry will be collected and compared to previous spirometry results. A questionnaire and their medical and drugs history will be used to assess for health care usage during the follow-up period (approximately 12-18 months). In addition, 10 individuals will participate in a structured interview which will be used gain a rich experiential understanding of participants’ healthcare needs, service utilization, and perception of quality of care. The study will take place between October 2017 and January 2019.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1697
Date of REC Opinion
4 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion