Validating the SPUR Medication Adherence Tool in COPD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study to validate the SPUR questionnaire as a model to measure adherence and the impact of readmission in COPD
IRAS ID
285590
Contact name
Reem Kayyali
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kingston Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Approximately half of all patients suffering from a long-term condition struggle to take their medicines as prescribed. Often issues such as the side-effects and number of medicines can pose challenges to the continuation of treatment for patients. Despite a wealth of research on the topic, we still do not fully understand what factors contribute to this problem. This project aims to use a questionnaire that has been developed by Observia, an e-health solution organisation, to investigate the obstacles faced by patients as well as their behaviour when it comes to taking medicines. More specifically, the project will focus on patients that are taking medicines for COPD. People living with COPD that are unable to manage their medicines are disproportionately affected by complications including respiratory infections, disease deterioration and hospitalisation. We also know that those admitted to hospital are more likely to spend a greater length of time in hospital and are more prone to complications and difficulties with discharge. This is not only challenging for the patient but also increases the financial burden on healthcare providers. The study will compare the SPUR tool to other similar questionnaires to ensure that the tool is reliable. Additionally, we would like to understand if patients who struggle to take their medicines are more likely to access hospital services. Therefore, we aim to find out from patients more information about their previous hospital visits, and any potential future visits they might have while taking part in the study over the course of 6 months. We hope that by confirming the validity of the tool, we can look at ways of using the data provided by the tool to improve individual patient care, reducing risks associated with poor adherence and decreasing the strain on healthcare providers in managing chronic illness.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0485
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion