Assessing and understanding the potential of assistive technology among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to support independence and wellbeing: A mixed-methods study

Conference:

SAPC ASM 2024 - Bristol

Talk Code:

1F.6

Presenter:

Farhin Ahmed

Twitter:

@Ratna_Sohanpal

Co-authors:

Helen Dawes, Catherine Forward, Andrew Weightman, Veronica Toffolutti, Shashi Hirani, Nina Fudge, Jamie Ross, Stephanie Taylor

Author institutions:

Queen Mary University of London, City, University of London, King's College London, University of Exeter, University of Manchester

Problem

Assistive technology (AT) comprising home modifications, digital technology or innovative digital infrastructure solutions is being given priority by the UK government as a cost-effective way of supporting independence, health and wellbeing for people living with disability or long-term conditions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is physically and psychologically disabling and commonly associated with multimorbidity. COPD is an important example where there is great potential for benefit from AT. People with COPD have highlighted the need for AT to support independent living at home, however the evidence to support implementation of AT is lacking.

Approach

The study comprises 3 work packages: (1a) To conduct a systematic review of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in studies of AT among people with COPD and multimorbidity with use of AT linked to outcomes specific to AT to facilitate independent living. (1b) To conduct a qualitative evidence synthesis in studies of AT among people with COPD and multimorbidity and their carers to understand service provision and use of AT. (2) To conduct a qualitative in-depth interview study to gain insights into the AT service provision, AT use and its impact among people with COPD and multimorbidity, their carers, health and social care professionals and other AT stakeholders on what is working well, what are the challenges and how service provision might be improved. (3) Developing recommendations for the adoption and integration of AT through consensus for implementation at different health and social care system levels to improve availability, accessibility and uptake of AT in COPD.

Findings

Work package 1a, 1b is currently ongoing. 6,807 studies identified for the quantitative review and 1,576 studies for the qualitative evidence synthesis are undergoing title/abstract screening. The included studies will comprise quantitative (e.g. randomised trials) and qualitative studies using different qualitative methods published from 2006 and in the English language. The population will comprise people with COPD and multimorbidity in receipt of any type of AT using the WHO definition to facilitate living independently in the community/own home. The intervention will be any AT or combination of AT to support Activities of Daily Living. The main outcome of interest is to assess the functioning or the functional needs of the patient through introduction of AT.Recruitment for work package 2 has just started across different health and social care settings.

Consequences

The study will raise awareness about the evidence around AT that brings benefits to people with COPD, the type of benefits conferred and whether the different types of AT are cost effective. It will also identify any challenges around AT delivery and, hopefully, underpin the development of more opportunities for people with COPD and their carers to access AT that is suitable, acceptable, and timely.

Submitted by:

Ratna Sohanpal

Funding acknowledgement:

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research (project reference 683). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.