STOPmyCOPD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Structured Health Assessment in Frequent COPD Exacerbators: To Optimise Management, Identify Comorbidities and Prevent Oral Corticosteroid Related Harm.
IRAS ID
352628
Contact name
Stephen Bourke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumbria Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
What is STOPmyCOPD?
STOPmyCOPD is a research study for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who frequently take steroid tablets (prednisolone) for flare-ups (exacerbations). We want to find out if a structured health assessment, looking at COPD and other important health issues, reduces the number of steroid courses needed over the following year.Background:
COPD is a common lung condition that can cause individuals to have sudden flare-ups (exacerbations) that are frightening, lead to hospital stays, cause a lasting health decline and increase the risk of dying.There are several challenges in COPD care which we want to improve:
• Many people with COPD are not getting all of the most important treatments. Even small changes to treatment or medications can help.
• Some people with COPD have other health problems (such as heart disease) that have not yet been diagnosed. This is because these health conditions can look like COPD (they share similar symptoms). Finding and treating these conditions is really important.
• Frequently using steroids (prednisolone) for flare-ups can cause harmful side effects (such as weight gain, weaker bones and diabetes). If we make flare-ups happen less often, we can reduce these side effects.
• Occasionally, people are told they have COPD, when they have a different health issue altogether. It is important to get the diagnosis right, so the correct treatment can be given.Design:
Participants will attend a structured health assessment, which includes a review by a doctor, questionnaires, blood tests, breathing tests, a scan (CT), and heart tests. We will focus on the lungs, health issues outside of the lungs, and behaviours that can be changed to improve health (collectively called treatable traits).During this visit, we will:
a) Confirm whether an individual has COPD.
b) Look for other important health issues that may be caused by prednisolone use, contribute to symptoms or increase flare-up frequency.
c) Support behaviour changes that can improve lung health.
d) Provide education on COPD care and treatments.We will call participants every 3 months, for a year, to complete health questionnaires and gather routine clinical information.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0264
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion