Hybrid Pulmonary Rehabilitation Trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Real-world evidence feasibility trial, in both community and hospital-based settings, for a technology-enabled hybrid service delivery model for Pulmonary Rehabilitation: assessing patient uptake and adherence, and impact on patient outcomes and service capacity.
IRAS ID
325028
Contact name
Graham Ball
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Anglia Ruskin University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients with respiratory disease improves exercise capacity, quality-of-life and provides education for condition management. Standard PR programmes involve in-person exercise classes over eight weeks after which patients are discharged to self-care. Digital technology exists allowing hybrid PR delivery - commencing with in-person classes and then supporting remote delivery. This could overcome barriers to PR uptake (e.g. participation in group settings and travel to centralised locations) and reduce carbon emissions. However, evidence is currently lacking for NHS commissioners to fund hybrid PR delivery, despite increased pressures on local services.
The study’s aim is to assess feasibility of a larger trial to compare effectiveness of a Hybrid PR vs Standard PR model on patient uptake, adherence and outcomes, and service capacity.
The study will use the Active+me REMOTE App (Aseptika Ltd - www.activ8rlives.com) to deliver the Hybrid PR programme. It includes remote tracking of adherence; live, online video exercise classes; pre-recorded classes; paced walking programme; bite-sized educational programme; and personalised care plans.
The study will recruit 100 patients to a Hybrid PR Intervention and compare outcomes with a matched Control Group, who have previously received Standard PR.
For the Hybrid PR Group, the study will recruit individuals (aged 18 years or older) who have respiratory disease and are referred for PR. Individuals having contraindications to exercise will be excluded. Hybrid PR will be tested in a hospital and community settings.
Data will be collected at the beginning and end of the PR programmes and will include routinely collected data as part of normal care. Additional data in the Hybrid PR group will be collected via Active+me App/trial surveys. Focus groups with PR staff and patients will explore their experiences of the new way of delivering rehabilitation. A health economic analysis will explore cost effectiveness of hybrid PR delivery.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
23/WA/0099
Date of REC Opinion
23 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion