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myCOPD to self-manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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2 The technology

Technology

2.1 myCOPD is a digital app to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) self-manage their condition. It can be used by people with any stage of COPD. The myCOPD app has:

  • education on how to use inhalers correctly

  • a self-management plan to help people understand what medication to take and when

  • a prescription assessment function to cross-check prescribed medication, and identify any conflicts

  • a COPD assessment for people to track their symptoms and learn how to control them

  • access to an online 6‑week pulmonary rehabilitation course with an incremental exercise programme with education sessions to help promote self managing COPD

2.2 Information collected by myCOPD can be shared or reviewed by healthcare professionals, with the person's consent, and can help inform clinical decision making. People can use myCOPD with any digital device that connects to the internet, such as smartphones, tablets and computers.

2.3 The technology was supported by the NHS England's innovation and technology tariff in 2017.

Care pathway

2.4 The NICE guideline on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s: diagnosis and management provides recommendations on managing stable COPD, covering smoking cessation, inhaled therapy, oral therapy, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and managing pulmonary hypertension. A recent update of the guideline focuses on monitoring, education and self-management. The guideline notes that most people with COPD can develop adequate inhaler technique if they have training.

2.5 NICE's COVID-19 rapid guideline on community-based care of patients with COPD recognises the need to reduce face-to-face contact and recommends people use online resources.

Innovative aspects

2.6 In the UK, face-to-face appointments are a standard approach when reviewing or monitoring COPD. myCOPD allows health service providers to offer a combination of remote care and face-to-face support. The use of myCOPD potentially could minimise health service contacts and deliver care remotely.

Intended use

2.7 myCOPD is intended to support people manage their COPD. The technology is also designed to support shared care. Healthcare professionals and patients both have access to clinical information for managing and monitoring the condition.

Costs

2.8 The company provides an unlimited licence plan myCOPD licences available for £0.25 per year per person registered with a GP in the clinical commissioning group population, with a 3‑year contract. Pulmonary rehabilitation using myCOPD can be through an unlimited licence plan or a pulmonary rehabilitation package that costs £10,000 per year.

For more details, see the website for myCOPD.