Smartcough
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Continuous intelligent cough detection and identification based on smartphones
IRAS ID
183954
Contact name
Brian McKinstry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
This study has been set up to look at a smart phone “app” to see if it can detect coughs, and also to detect their severity in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder. We are carrying out this research because while telemedicine has the potential to assist in the management of respiratory illness, so far it has failed to live up to expectations. It is thought that this is because it is difficult to objectively measure the kind of symptoms which might predict early symptoms or exacerbations. A smart phone app has been developed by researchers at the University of the West of Scotland which they hope will be able to detect cough sounds that are suitable for further analysis. We plan to test this app in 20 people with respiratory disease, who we plan to identify from patients at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. We will invite patients into a clinic for one assessment, which lasts for ninety minutes where they will be asked to cough in a variety of ways, while sitting and walking. During this period, they will be asked to hold a study supplied smartphone which has the app loaded on to it. They will also be asked some questions about the usability of the device and attitudes towards carrying a device which measures cough.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
15/SS/0234
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion