NIHR Clinical Research Network shines a spotlight on innovative COPD studies to mark World COPD Day
To mark World COPD Day (19 November 2014), the NIHR Clinical Research Network has launched “Spotlight on COPD” – an online resource highlighting innovative clinical research studies which are leading to better patient-focused outcomes.
The online resource includes information on the ground-breaking Salford Lung Study which is evaluating a new treatment for COPD patients and combines the robust scientific methodology of a Randomised Controlled Trial (the gold standard in clinical trials) with the benefits of observing “real patients” in a “real-setting.”
The BeLieVeR-HIFi study and a new phase IV trial also showcased, highlight new innovative medical devices (valves and coils) as alternative life-long treatments for COPD patients that can help manage their disease for a better quality of life.
Speaking about the “Spotlight on COPD” launch, Professor Peter Calverley, the Network’s Specialty National Lead for Respiratory said:
“The COPD research landscape is changing and World COPD Day provides us with an opportunity to highlight the important role that UK research plays in combating this worldwide disease, whilst also taking a look at how this particular area of research is evolving.
“The revolutionary “real-world” Salford Lung Study is held aloft as the first of its kind globally. By the same token, a handful of exciting studies using new innovative medical technologies are now being rolled out for NHS patients to access. It’s for that reason that we’ve decided to shine a spotlight on these two areas of COPD research.”
As well as reading interviews with patients describing how taking part in these ground-breaking research studies has changed their lives, visitors can also look at further information on how the NIHR Clinical Research Network supports COPD research, links to useful websites (including charities and other associations), and key statistics on COPD.
Find out more at www.crn.nihr.ac.uk/spotlightoncopd