title: New and emerging technologies for the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A horizon scanning review.
abstract: 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, to 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. 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. Eighty 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. 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.
authors.affiliation: 1 NIHR Horizon Scanning Research & Intelligence Centre, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Louise C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Dixon
authors.affiliation: 1 NIHR Horizon Scanning Research & Intelligence Centre, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Derek J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: 1 NIHR Horizon Scanning Research & Intelligence Centre, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: 2 The Park Medical Practice, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK.
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Ravi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mahadeva
keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; diagnosis; horizon scanning; monitoring; new technology