Reducing Chronic Breathlessness in Adults by Following a Self-guided, Internet Based Supportive Intervention (SELF-BREATHE)

Launched by KING'S COLLEGE HOSPITAL NHS TRUST · Mar 18, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The SELF-BREATHE trial is studying whether an online support program can help adults with chronic breathlessness feel better and improve their quality of life. Chronic breathlessness affects many people with lung and heart diseases, causing them to struggle with everyday activities and often leading to visits to the hospital for help. This trial aims to see if using the SELF-BREATHE website, which offers information and self-management tools like breathing exercises, can make a real difference for patients over six weeks.

To participate, you need to be an adult aged 18 or older who experiences chronic breathlessness, which means you feel short of breath most days despite treatment for your underlying condition. You should also have access to a computer or smartphone with the internet. If you join the trial, you will be randomly placed in one of two groups: one will continue with their usual care, and the other will use the SELF-BREATHE website alongside their usual care. Throughout the study, participants will complete questionnaires about their breathing and hospital visits. This will help researchers understand if SELF-BREATHE can improve patients' symptoms and reduce the need for emergency care.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults ≥ 18 years of age
• • Chronic Breathlessness at rest and / or exertion
• • Chronic Breathlessness (CB) defined as breathlessness that persists (\>3months) despite pharmacological treatment of the underlying disease including, but not limited to; cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), bronchiectasis, chronic fibrotic lung disease following SARS-CoV2 infection
• • Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea score ≥ 2 (MRC 2= short of breath when hurrying on the level or walking up a slight hill
• • Availability to a computer, tablet, or smart phone with internet access
• • Able to provide informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Breathlessness of unknown cause
• • Primary diagnosis of chronic hyperventilation syndrome
• • Currently participating in a rehabilitation programme e.g.,pulmonary/cardiac rehabilitation (patients that have completed PR \>4-weeks will be eligible).