What next?
REMOTE-ILD is now closed to recruitment. We will update this page when the reseults become available.
What next?
REMOTE-ILD is now closed to recruitment. We will update this page when the reseults become available.
About this study
Measuring patients’ lung function is an important part of pulmonary fibrosis care. However, many factors can limit regular access to monitoring, including spirometry (breathing tests). The COVID-19 pandemic has presented additional challenges, highlighting a potential role for complimentary home monitoring options for patients. Home-based spirometry and digital technology mean that patients now have the opportunity to monitor their lung function at home.
The REMOTE-ILD study is investigating the impact of using a mobile app for home monitoring on patient care.
The study aims to understand whether monitoring lung function at home is helpful for patients and clinicians in managing pulmonary fibrosis.
In this study, the impact of regularly performing breathing tests at home in addition to usual (routine) care, is being compared to patients receiving their usual care alone. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups, one monitoring their lung function at home in addition to their routine care, or and one to simply continue with their routine care.
There are many different types of research. These studies might ask participants to test different treatments, devices, or complete questionnaires. Some studies may not require any involvement from people affected by PF, but instead look at cells in a lab environment, animal models, or utilise computer modelling.
A study involving people can be:
- Interventional – participants are given an active treatment decided by researchers. This could be a change in medication or lifestyle (e.g. exercise, diet, complementary wellbeing therapy, or symptom management). These are commonly known as clinical trials.
- Observational – participants are assessed for specific changes over time, but researchers do not alter their standard treatment or care (e.g. questionnaires to understand the impact of symptom, or patient registries that track trends in how disease affects people or the services that are provided).
There are 3 main phases of clinical trials:
- Phase 1 is the earliest stage of research, where there is often a focus on understanding if the treatment is safe or if it causes any side effects.
- Phase 2 still focuses on safety and side effects, but also tries to find out more about what is the best dose.
- Phase 3 often compares the new treatment to existing treatments or lookalike medications.
As drugs or interventions move into the different phases, the number of people taking part will increase. Not all studies will make it to the later phases, especially if the intervention is not found to be safe or effective in phase 1 and 2.
The recruitment aim is the number of people that researcher want to take part in the research study.
What is involved?
Participants who are enrolled on this study will be randomly allocated to either continue with their routine care, or to monitor their breathing at home in addition to their routine care. Participants who will be monitoring their breathing at home will be asked to perform home spirometry and pulse oximetry twice a week for 52 weeks. They will use a mobile app to record their results which will be automatically available for their hospital healthcare team to view. All participants will complete questionnaires. Participants will not need to visit the clinic more often than usual to take part.
Summary of involvement
Assigned to one of two groups:
1. Monitoring breathing at home through home spirometry and pulse oximetry twice per week
2. Continuing with standard care
Completion of questionnaires
Can I take part?
You may be able to take part if you have a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, and have access to a mobile device or tablet, an email address and internet access.
In all studies, there are lots of different reasons why you may or may not be able to take part. These are known as inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only the study team will be able to fully determine whether you are able to take part.
In research studies, there are lots of different reasons why you may or may not be able to take part. These are known as inclusion and exclusion criteria (see list below). Only the research team will be able to fully determine whether you are able to take part in the study. You can withdraw at any point.
If you are not able to take part in this research study, there may be other opportunities for you to take part in different studies.
To find our more about other research opportunities visit our research finder main page.
Diagnosis of fibrotic interstitial lung disease
Aged 18 years and over
Own a smartphone or tablet device
Are able to access the internet at home, have an email address and telephone number
Lung function tests performed within the last 6 months at the hospital or clinical setting
Expecting at least 2 outpatient clinical review appointments within the study period
Willing to monitor breathing at home
Understands how to use mobile technology (downloading apps onto device and using emails)
Unable to fulfil the inclusion criteria
Cognitive impairment
History of difficulties performing spirometry at previous clinical/hospital testing
Contraindications to spirometry (for example previous pneumothorax, unstable cardiac status, known aortic or cerebral aneurysm)
Other serious conditions that put patients at high risk or respiratory distress
Current or recent (within 6 weeks of the first assessment) participation in other research
What difference could taking part make?
Taking part in the REMOTE-ILD study will help researchers to identify the impact of remote monitoring at home. The study will help to gain greater understanding of the impact this has on patients and if it fits within the clinical care.
Taking part in research has the potential to make a difference for people who have PF now and for future generations.
Where does the study take place?
Study locations
London
Exeter
Basingstoke
Winchester
Liverpool
Leeds
This study is currently recruiting participants at multiple sites.
Patients who do not live locally may also be able to take part.
How to take part
If you are interested in taking part or would like more information about this study, you can email:
Imperial.ILDmonitoring@nhs.net
Further information
This page is a summary which provides information about an opportunity to participate in research. More detailed information about the study can be found via the following the links and through contacting the research team.
If you have any questions about this research study, please speak to your medical team.
Imperial.ILDmonitoring@nhs.netThis study is supported by
APF does not endorse or recommend any specific study. All responsibility for the study remains with the sponsors and investigators.
Every effort is made to keep these details up to date. If you are aware of any inaccuracies, please email research@actionpf.org