DEAR-COPD Programme : Diagnosis through Early Assessment during Respiratory events

Project Details

DEAR-COPD Programme : Diagnosis through Early Assessment during Respiratory events.

Project Lead: Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan.

Aim: The DEAR-COPD initiative is a program of work that investigates whether respiratory exacerbations in primary care can serve as diagnostic windows for COPD.  Summary: The program comprises a retrospective pilot study (PRE-DEAR) and a prospective interventional trial (DEAR-COPD), both supported by data from the Primary Care Audit, Teaching, and Research Open Network (PATRON). This program ultimately seeks to empower general practitioners to identify high-risk patients earlier and improve the diagnostic process for chronic lung disease. The use of routinely collected EMR data ensures that findings reflect real-world care patterns. Given the exploratory nature of this work, additional sub studies may emerge. Findings will guide intervention design, inform national implementation strategies, and support earlier, more effective management of respiratory disease.

Patron ID: PAT1087/PAT1098

Subproject: PAT1098

PRE-DEAR: A Pilot Retrospective Evaluation of Diagnostic Timing Around Exacerbations in Asthma and COPD.

Project Lead: Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan.

Aim: This project aims to determine what proportion of asthma and COPD diagnoses by a general practitioner (GP) occur around the time of an exacerbation, and how many exacerbation events typically precede diagnosis. Summary: By identifying trends in diagnostic timing, this study will provide valuable insight into current clinical practice and inform the design of future interventions aimed at reducing diagnostic delay. Early signals identified through this analysis may highlight critical points where diagnosis could be accelerated, prompting a shift in how and when general practitioners consider initiating lung function testing.