Lung Function Indicies and Health Status Score in COPD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Relationship between Lung Function Measuremnts and Health Status Score in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
IRAS ID
230982
Contact name
Matthew Manners
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 26 days
Research summary
This study is looking at the relationship between lung function measurements and health status score in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A basic lung function test called spirometry measures changes in airflow which are needed to diagnose COPD. Spirometry is widely available and routinely used in GP practices. Other lung function tests including lung volumes and gas transfer provide further information on the structural and functional consequences of COPD however these tests are typically performed in hospitals in outpatients receiving specialist care. Health status refers to the symptomatic burden and impact a health condition has on a person’s life. It can be assessed using short simple questionnaires specific for COPD which are completed by the patient themselves. To date research has shown patients with reduced airflow measured by spirometry have worse health status score but the relationship is weak and there is no data regarding measurements from other lung function tests. A strong relationship between health status score and measurements of lung volumes and gas transfer could help support the use of simple health status questionnaires to identify COPD patients who would benefit from more detailed lung function tests and improve the management of their condition. This study would recruit COPD patients who have been referred to a NHS hospital lung function laboratory for full Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT). A full PFT includes spirometry as well as measurements of lung volumes and gas transfer. Once they have perfromed full PFT participants would then be asked to self-complete two COPD specific health status questionnaires as part of the study.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1657
Date of REC Opinion
26 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion