COVPRO [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying clinical features associated with adverse outcomes in patients with suspected COVID-19 who are being followed up in the community by healthcare professionals
IRAS ID
283857
Contact name
Nick Francis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 27 days
Research summary
This study aims to use data collected as part of usual NHS care to help understand the risk factors for adverse outcomes, such as need for admission to hospital, prolonged illness, and death, in patients with suspected COVID-19 illness who are being regularly monitored at home by NHS clinicians.\n\nClinicians from Watford General Hospital have been running a ‘virtual ward’ for patients with suspected COVID-19 who have been assessed as being suitable for this service. The service involves collecting data about the patient and providing them with regular remote (telephone) follow-up to monitor their illness. Data collected as part of this service, and similar data from other NHS services that are providing remote monitoring, can be used to help identify features related to the patient or their illness that can help predict adverse outcomes.\n\nWe propose using data about these patients, without having access to personal information like name, date of birth or address, to try and identify factors that are associated with the need to be admitted to hospital, and other adverse outcomes, and if possible develop a clinical prediction rule for this setting. Personal data will be kept by the relevant NHS institutions and not shared with the research team at the University of Southampton. The data will be kept secure and all relevant data protection laws will be adhered to.\n\nThe findings of this study could help clinicians and other healthcare professionals identify those at greatest risk, which in turn can help in communicating risk and shared decision-making about management strategies with patients, as well as designing services.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/HRA/2342
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion