Time to diagnosis in IPF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Time to Diagnosis and Decision on Treatment in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: a Retrospective Cohort Analysis
IRAS ID
234558
Contact name
Christopher J Brereton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 5 days
Research summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare condition of unknown cause, resulting in progressive scarring of the lungs which is often fatal. Recently two IPF-specific ‘anti-fibrotic’ treatments (pirfenidone and nintedanib) have been approved for the treatment of IPF which has transformed our ability to manage this disease. \nHowever IPF is a rare condition and so the time taken from diagnosis to specialist referral for consideration of anti-fibrotic treatment may vary significantly from patient to patient. It is not known whether such variation has any effect on a patient’s eligibility, tolerance and response to treatment. \nWe will measure the length of time from initial GP referral to the decision to commence anti-fibrotic treatment. We will then compare this to patient outcomes such as treatment eligibility and tolerance to look for any significant associations.\nThis study will provide information on critical areas of the patient journey, such as the time patients with IPF are taking to reach a diagnosis and whether a longer period from initial referral to treatment commencement is associated with reduced eligibility and tolerance to treatment. \n
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/2037
Date of REC Opinion
27 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion