Testing SELF-BREATHE An Online Support Program Plus Usual NHS Care to Help Adults with Chronic Breathlessness

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the impact of an online supportive self-management intervention called SELF-BREATHE for adults living with chronic breathlessness due to various lung and heart conditions. Chronic breathlessness affects over 3 million people in the UK, causing significant distress and disability. This trial aims to determine whether using SELF-BREATHE improves breathlessness and quality of life, while also assessing its potential for NHS adoption. In this randomized controlled trial, 246 adults with chronic breathlessness will be assigned to receive either usual NHS care or usual care plus access to SELF-BREATHE. SELF-BREATHE is an internet-based program offering educational resources and self-management tools such as breathing exercises and goal setting. Participants will use the intervention for six weeks while continuing their normal care. Participants will complete questionnaires at the start, and at seven and twelve weeks after randomization, assessing their breathlessness, its impact on life, and hospital visits related to breathlessness. The main outcome measured is the worst breathlessness over the previous 24 hours using a numerical rating scale. The study will compare results between the groups to see if SELF-BREATHE reduces breathlessness and hospital visits, with a total involvement period of about 12 weeks.

Reducing Chronic Breathlessness in Adults by Following a Self-guided, Internet Based Supportive Intervention (SELF-BREATHE)