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Researchers launch digital guide to help patients use smartwatches to manage serious lung disease
Wednesday 19 February 2025
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Coventry University researchers have developed an online tool that could help patients living with symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
COPD, a common lung disease and the eighth leading cause of poor health worldwide*, causes restricted airflow and breathing difficulties. The condition can significantly impact patients’ quality of life and put additional pressure on healthcare systems.
Dr. Laura Joanne Wilde and Nikki Holliday, from the university’s Research Centre for Healthcare and Communities, have developed a new online resource to help both patients and healthcare professionals make the best use of smartwatches to manage the disease.
Informed by extensive research, the website is an important output from the team’s long-term commitment to exploring healthcare technologies to support self-management and empower those living with, or caring for, someone with COPD.
The website called 'COPD and Smartwatches’ provides practical advice on how wearable technologies, such as smartwatches, can:
- Help patients to monitor vital signs, including heart rate and oxygen levels
- Maintain a consistent treatment regime by setting customisable medication reminders
- Set daily routines to help patients with the essential upkeep of lung health by tracking activities.
Laura and Nikki have developed this critical resource to support patients with using technology to help manage their COPD and related flare-ups. This can enhance patient confidence and self-management, potentially supporting easing the strain on healthcare systems.
The online tool will also provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals into how technology can support people with COPD.
The website was informed by the team’s earlier research**, which found that patients who use activity monitors experience greater motivation, better goal-setting and smoother integration of COPD management into their daily lives.
Dr Laura Joanne Wilde said:
We’re excited to see this project come to life. By incorporating patient experiences and practitioner expertise, we’ve developed a tool to meet the needs of those managing COPD.
We hope this work not only improves symptom management but also inspires confidence and control for patients navigating life with COPD and making the most of technology.
Dr Laura Joanne Wilde
Nikki Holliday added:
Digital technologies offer incredible potential to transform how we manage chronic conditions like COPD. This output bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday healthcare, making self-management accessible to all.
Nikki Holliday
The launch of the website was celebrated with an online event bringing together COPD patients, healthcare professionals and researchers. Attendees shared experiences and explored how digital tools can revolutionise COPD care.
Find out more
- Explore the website.
- Watch an introduction to the website on YouTube.
- Learn more about the Research Centre for Healthcare and Communities.
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