Self-monitoring symptoms to increase adherence in Cystic Fibrosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study to investigate the role of self-monitoring symptoms using daily diaries, to increase adherence to nebuliser treatments in adults with Cystic Fibrosis
IRAS ID
227951
Contact name
Rosie Martin
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 14 days
Research summary
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting, genetic condition. The disease affects over 10,000 people in the UK (CF registry, 2015). The disease causes mucus to develop, which can lead to a range of symptoms including respiratory problems such as coughing and shortness of breath (Sawicki et al, 2008). CF is also associated with other symptoms affecting other areas and aspects of the body such as the pancreas, digestive track and malnutrition (Spoonhower and Davis, 2016).
Sheffield adult CF unit is trialing the use of the data observatory which records and presents objective nebuliser adherence data to clinicians and patients. This study links to the data observatory (REC ref 17/LO/0032) and the study aims to establish how daily symptom tracking could be used to increase nebuliser adherence.
The study aims to recruit 24 participants, all of which will be receiving treatment through the adult CF unit based at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (STH). Patients invited to take part in the study must use specific nebulisers (I-neb or E-track) as part of their treatment and also be part of the data observatory which means their adherence is recorded.
For the first stage of the study participants will be asked to track their symptoms on a daily basis for three weeks, this will involve answering questions on an online software programme, Qualtrics. Adherence will be monitored but not presented to participants. Participants will then be interviewed for the second stage of the study, to assess the acceptability of keeping a daily diary to track their symptoms. Stage three of the study will involve participants will be asked to track symptoms in the same way for a further three weeks. However adherence data will also be monitored via Bluetooth from participants nebulisers. Finally, stage four is a final interview. Participants will presented with adherence charts along with symptom charts once again.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1769
Date of REC Opinion
16 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion