Novel Sensors and AI for Detection of Acute Pulmonary Exacerbations

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Novel Sensors and Artificial Intelligence for Detection of Acute Pulmonary Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis and non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis (NOVEL)

• IRAS ID

  357389

• Contact name

  Lucy Gale

• Contact email

  lucy.gale1@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  4 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Why are we doing this research?
  We are investigating if novel sensors can detect changes in physiological parameters (e.g. heart rate) during IV antibiotic treatment for a respiratory exacerbation (chest infection, shortness of breath, tiredness and cough).

  In both bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis there are times of unpredictable exacerbations that can make normal day to day activities challenging. These exacerbations are difficult to predict and can require hospital treatment with antibiotics. This is disruptive to daily life. Frequent and severe exacerbations can lead to long term, irreversible lung damage.

  We can predict exacerbations earlier than standard care by asking patients to monitor their health at home in between standard clinic visits. Earlier treatment may reduce long term lung damage. Home monitoring can take a lot of effort from patients, so we now want to try new sensors that require less effort.

  Who can take part?
  • 18 years old or over
  • have cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis
  • under the care of Royal Papworth Hospital
  • starting intravenous antibiotics for treatment of an exacerbation

  What will I be asked to do?
  Participants will be asked to wear or use the sensor daily during their antibiotic treatment. There are no follow up visits.

  We are trialling 3 sensors:
  1. A device that you gently breathe out into that measures if your lungs are
  inflamed.
  2. A wireless device that is worn on the chest and gives information such as
  your heart and breathing rate, coughing and activity.

  Participants will remain in the study during intravenous antibiotic treatment (usually 10-14 days).

• REC name

  East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/EM/0148

• Date of REC Opinion

  28 Aug 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion