COPD Pal Phase 1: Focus Groups
Research type
Research Study
Full title
COPD Pal Phase 1: Assessing the usability and acceptability of a self-management app for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
IRAS ID
270736
Contact name
Liam Knox
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hywel Dda Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 18 days
Research summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a widespread condition which causes a poorer health status, reduced exercise, and lung function impairment. COPD exacerbations are a sustained worsening of symptoms beyond day-to-day variation and are responsible for one in eight emergency admissions. Although extensive users of healthcare, people with COPD are primarily responsible for their condition 99% of the time and self-management has been highlighted as a crucial component for COPD care. To enable greater awareness of changing symptoms, a self-management app (COPD Pal) will be created to enable people with COPD to input information pertinent to their condition. The aim of COPD Pal, which is akin to a paper diary, is to empower patients to take more control of their disease and allow them to provide healthcare professionals with accurate, personalised data during clinic consultations.
This project aims to assess the usability and acceptability of COPD Pal using qualitative methodology (phase 1). 13-15 people with COPD will be invited to attend a focus group and be given COPD Pal (v1) with which to interact. Semi-structured questions will then be asked to facilitate conversation regarding the experiences of using COPD Pal. Focus groups will be audio-recorded, transcribed, and a Thematic Analysis conducted. Thematic themes will be provided to the creators of COPD Pal with which to develop the app further (i.e. to V2). Thematic themes will be provided to participants to confirm accuracy and ensure methodological rigor. A final report will be provided to both research participants and the creators of COPD Pal.
Findings from this research will inform the second phase feasibility study of COPD Pal V2 testing in the real world.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1649
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion