Further good quality evidence is needed to address uncertainties about myCOPD's clinical benefits and its effect on healthcare resource use. myCOPD has potential for clinical benefits, but more evidence is needed to reduce uncertainties. The committee considered that comparative evidence is needed to show the clinical benefits of using myCOPD in 2 populations:
- people using it to self-manage COPD
- people referred to pulmonary rehabilitation
For self-management, a randomised controlled trial is preferred to show the clinical benefits of myCOPD. This could be powered based on the encouraging results in the RESCUE study. However, a high-quality comparative observational study designed to minimise bias in the results may provide acceptable evidence. Outcomes such as rates of exacerbations, hospital readmissions and unscheduled care appointments should be considered alongside patient-reported outcomes such as health-related quality of life. For pulmonary rehabilitation, further evidence is needed to show the clinical benefits of myCOPD. This could be a randomised controlled trial which is powered based on the encouraging results in the TROOPER study or a well-designed comparative observational study. Key outcomes will be the CAT score and 6-minute walk test, ideally supported by additional longer-term outcomes such as rates of exacerbations and hospital admissions.
Real-world data could be used to inform the uptake rates in the economic modelling. It should also include qualitative data on patient experience using myCOPD such as patient preferences and adherence.