Inter-SPACE COPD self-management project
Research type
Research Study
Full title
InterSPACE: Feasibility of an integrated Telehealth and Self-Management programme for individuals hospitalised with an exacerbation of COPD
IRAS ID
150559
Contact name
Linzy Houchen-Wolloff
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Lay Summary
It is estimated that up to one in four people may develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime. Sufferers often face disabling breathlessness which leads to a vicious cycle of reduced activity, social isolation and depression.
Around the time of an exacerbation (worsening of the condition) resulting in a hospital admission the individual is at a greater risk of worsening health and, once discharged home from hospital, at risk of being readmitted back into hospital. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended by recent National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines post exacerbation or worsening episode, and should ideally be offered within 4 weeks of discharge from hospital.
However, despite its proven benefits, pulmonary rehabilitation programmes can be unappealing to a large number of patients. There is a need to develop alternative ways to support patients being discharged from hospital with COPD to manage their breathlessness; stress levels, regain their physical and social abilities.We believe that the internet may provide the opportunity to increase the provision of accessible information to help patients better understand and self-manage their condition. We have developed a website in collaboration with experts in pulmonary rehabilitation and patients.
This proposal is to offer a self-management programme to patients with COPD for a period of 3 months after discharge from hospital using tablet computers to help, guide, support and encourage patients to better understand and manage their condition and thereby reduce unnecessary readmission to hospital.
The tablet computers will be preloaded with the web-based version of the SPACE for COPD programme and in addition will have the facility to have face to face video conferencing between clinicians/nurses and patients. Normal care will not be disrupted including referral and attendance to pulmonary rehabilitation. We are interested to observe if this intervention increases patient uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation services offered.REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/1105
Date of REC Opinion
22 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion