Cupris remote system assessment

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Pilot study to assess the performance and health economic impact of the Cupris remote diagnosis system: smartphone app with in-app audiometer; smartphone otoscope attachment; and web platform.

• IRAS ID

  195298

• Contact name

  Rahul Kanegaonkar

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 6 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  The diagnosis and monitoring of ear-related problems usually requires examination of the ear and a hearing test. This is currently carried out at the GP surgery or in outpatient clinics, as existing equipment is not suitable for remote use. Bringing care closer to home could significantly improves the patient experience, particularly for people with learning disabilities who have frequent ear and hearing problems and it can be difficult for them to attend clinics. Furthermore, although ear problems are more common in people with learning difficulties (PWLD), they are often not identified.
  [Wilson, 1990; Meuwese-Jongejeugd, 2006; Neumann, 2006]
  This study evaluates a novel system to allow the remote diagnosis and monitoring of ear conditions. It comprises: a smartphone-connected otoscope that allows clinical images of the ear-drum to be taken; an in-app audiometer to conduct a hearing test on the smartphone; and a communication platform (app and website) to enhance communications between healthcare stakeholders, including the patient. The clinical examination used in the smartphone is no different to the standard one conducted by the medical profession.
  Any patients with a routine (non-urgent) ear condition is eligible to enter the trial. Half of the study participants will be PWLD. The study will be conducted in different settings: GP practices, care homes, ENT clinics and patient’s homes.

  The device assessments (smartphone otoscope and audiometer) will be conducted over 8 weeks by healthcare professionals who will compare the devices with standard equipment. The communication software assessment will be run over 6 months on two main streams: primary care (carer or patient contacting GP) and secondary care (GP referring to ENT specialist). Recruited patients will undergo remote care, and will also receive routine standard care to ensure care is not compromised. Quality of care and health economic impact will be assessed.

• REC name

  Wales REC 7

• REC reference

  15/WA/0452

• Date of REC Opinion

  17 Dec 2015

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion