Process evaluation of the MucAct COPD RCT v1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Process evaluation of the MucAct COPD Randomised Controlled Trial exploring the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of nebulised 7% sodium chloride in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

  • IRAS ID

    301938

  • Contact name

    Fiona M Harris

  • Contact email

    fiona.harris@stir.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Stirling

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    281629, IRAS approval for the MucAct COPD RCT

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 5 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Most clinical trials include a process evaluation (PE). This aims to learn what works best and what might be improved in both how the trial is delivered by staff and experienced by patients. We are conducting a PE within a trial of a new treatment for people with COPD. The aim of the new treatment is to help people clear up phlegm and reduce the number of chest infections.

    Aims:
    The PE aims to explore how participants are recruited into the trial, how it is delivered and what participants' views are of taking part in the trial. This is so that we can learn about what might help or hinder achieving the intended improvements in treatment for patients.

    How we will do the study:
    We will observe how the trial is delivered in five clinical sites and interview key staff to find out what is working well and what might be improved. We will also speak to trial participants to find out what they think of the treatment and taking part in the trial. If possible, we will also talk to people who decided not to join the trial but agreed to talk to us about their reasons. This is important so that we can help the trial team to address any issues that might improve the trial procedures and also understand whether these processes and treatments are being adhered to as intended.

    The trial has been approved by an NHS REC and we are seeking separate approval for the PE. The PE benefits from input from social scientists, clinicians, a patient co-applicant and a patient advisory group.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/EM/0237

  • Date of REC Opinion

    5 Nov 2021

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion