Abstract
Objectives
There is a need for straightforward, novel diagnostic and monitoring technologies to enable the early diagnosis of COPD and its differentiation from other respiratory diseases, establish the cause of acute exacerbations, and to monitor disease progression. We sought to establish whether technologies already in development could potentially address these needs.
Methods
A systematic horizon scanning review was undertaken to identify technologies in development from a wide range of commercial and non-commercial sources. Technologies were restricted to those likely to be available within 18 months, and then evaluated for degree of innovation, potential for impact, acceptability to users and likelihood of adoption, by clinicians and patients with COPD.
Results
80 technologies were identified, of which 25 were considered particularly promising. Biomarker tests, particularly those using sputum or saliva samples and/or available at the point-of-care, were positively evaluated, with many offering novel approaches to early diagnosis and to determining the cause for acute exacerbations. Several wrist-worn devices and smartphone-based spirometers offering the facility for self-monitoring and early detection of exacerbations were also considered promising.
Conclusions
The most promising identified technologies have the potential to improve COPD care and patient outcomes. Further research and evaluation activities should be focused on these technologies.
There is a need for straightforward, novel diagnostic and monitoring technologies to enable the early diagnosis of COPD and its differentiation from other respiratory diseases, establish the cause of acute exacerbations, and to monitor disease progression. We sought to establish whether technologies already in development could potentially address these needs.
Methods
A systematic horizon scanning review was undertaken to identify technologies in development from a wide range of commercial and non-commercial sources. Technologies were restricted to those likely to be available within 18 months, and then evaluated for degree of innovation, potential for impact, acceptability to users and likelihood of adoption, by clinicians and patients with COPD.
Results
80 technologies were identified, of which 25 were considered particularly promising. Biomarker tests, particularly those using sputum or saliva samples and/or available at the point-of-care, were positively evaluated, with many offering novel approaches to early diagnosis and to determining the cause for acute exacerbations. Several wrist-worn devices and smartphone-based spirometers offering the facility for self-monitoring and early detection of exacerbations were also considered promising.
Conclusions
The most promising identified technologies have the potential to improve COPD care and patient outcomes. Further research and evaluation activities should be focused on these technologies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Chronic Respiratory Disease |
| Early online date | 11 Mar 2016 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 11 Mar 2016 |
Keywords
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- diagnosis
- monitoring
- new technology
- Horizon scanning