Digital innovation supporting people with COPD
An exercise app developed by our researchers has been recommended for use in the UK.
Key facts
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than a million people in England.
Our researchers created the first app to help COPD patients self-manage their condition. It is now used by tens of thousands of patients across the UK.
The app was recently recommended by the National Institute for Health and Social Care Excellence.
Progressive lung condition
Around 1.2 million people in England are living with COPD – and it is estimated that a further two million remain undiagnosed.
It is a long-term and progressive condition. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties.
Infections such as colds or the flu can cause ‘exacerbations.’ This is where symptoms get worse suddenly over a short period of time. Some people may need to go to hospital for treatment.
Exercise as treatment
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an exercise and education programme for people with lung disease.
Evidence suggests that 90% of patients who complete PR experience improved exercise capacity or increased quality of life. They feel less tired and breathless when doing day-to-day activities and can walk further.
Research has found they also have fewer exacerbations, GP appointments and trips to A&E.
Unmet need
Face-to-face PR programmes are currently only offered to 13% of eligible patients. They often focus on people with more severe COPD.
Some eligible patients choose not to attend. This could be because sessions are in working hours – 44% of people with COPD are below retirement age.
Others may not attend because sessions are mixed gender or too far away.
A digital solution
A BRC team, led by Professor Tom Wilkinson, created an app called myCOPD.
The app allows people with COPD to exercise at home at a time that suits them. It can be used anywhere with an internet connection.
They can use it to keep a record of their medication and lung health. Support is also available to give up smoking.
The app is intended to support, rather than replace, existing NHS care. It has grown in popularity over the last five years, particularly during COVID-19.
MyCOPD is developed by my mhealth - a spin-out company from the University of Southampton.
Moving towards NHS use
We have rigorously tested myCOPD in clinical trials. Results show that the app can deliver PR as effectively as face-to-face classes. It reaches more people and costs 90% less than conventional delivery.
The app has been approved by the NHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) scheme and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The National Institute for Health and Social Care Excellence (NICE) recommend the app’s use earlier this year. It is one of the first health apps to be endorsed by NICE in this way.
What’s next?
We are working with NICE to generate health economic models. This could lead to myCOPD being rolled out across the NHS.
The app is also expanding internationally. It launched in the US in 2024, and there are plans to expand into Australia, India and New Zealand.
Prof Wilkinson is also working with Prof Michael Boniface, part of our Data, Health and Society theme, to develop mySmartCOPD. They are taking the myCOPD app and using it to build an early warning system. This will use artificial intelligence (AI) to alert healthcare providers if a patient with COPD needs more treatment.