Aim

The aim of this project is to explore how new or improved technology or innovation can address unmet needs of those living with, at high risk of, or caring for those with chronic respiratory diseases.

If you are a person living with lung disease (or their carer, or think you may be at risk in future) and you might be willing to share your views, you can find out more about how you can take part in the HERON project here

Why this is important

Chronic respiratory disease continues to lack investment in research and development despite contributing a significant burden to patients and the NHS. Respiratory disease is the third biggest cause of death in England and hospital admissions for lung disease have risen over the past seven years at three times the rate of all admissions.

Chronic respiratory diseases include COPD, asthma, occupational lung disease and pulmonary hypertension, among others​. These conditions are often not curable and the outcomes for patients depend heavily on how early the disease is diagnosed and how well it is managed. Much of the potential to improve this lies in the community – diagnosis and screening usually takes place in primary or community care. Self-monitoring and self-management of the disease alongside early access to appropriate interventions could help keep people out of hospital.

The annual economic burden of asthma and COPD on the NHS in the UK is estimated at £3 billion and £1.9 billion respectively. CRDs are therefore a key interest area for the health technology industry, especially in the context of the Change NHS 10 Year Health Plan  which focuses on three main priorities: ​

• Moving care from hospitals to communities,
• Focusing on preventing sickness, not just treating it, and
• Making better use of technology

Methods

Our methods are based on the previous project conducted by our team in the area of women’s health technology: EMPOWER — NIHR Community Healthcare MIC.

We will survey and talk with members of the public and health professionals who live with or care for those with chronic respiratory disease about their unmet needs, and how new or improved technology could help. Their feedback will then be used to establish a priority list of unmet needs. This will direct research funding and impact guideline recommendations for further research and improving existing technology.

Benefits to patients

It is important to ensure that the needs of patients, the NHS, and industry are aligned so that any new health technologies can fully address patient needs. Understanding what the unmet needs currently are will give us a clearer idea of how to allocate resources and speed up the development of technologies with the greatest impact. It is essential that technology-based solutions address the needs of marginalised and economically-deprived groups to reduce existing health inequalities.

If you are interested in filling in the survey and being part of the project, you can find out more here [Link to survey ad page]

Contact e-mail:heron@phc.ox.ac.uk

Lead Investigator: Helen Ashdown

Research Group: NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Community Healthcare – Respiratory Theme

Funder: LifeArc