5 Minimum evidence standards
All the technologies that have been recommended for use in the NHS while more evidence is generated have some clinical evidence suggesting that they may improve symptoms of COPD, enhance respiratory function, and reduce exacerbations. None of the technologies reported any safety concerns when using the digital technologies to support self-management of COPD.
In addition to the evidence above, the committee has indicated that it may be able to recommend technologies in this topic area in the future that have evidence for:
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a beneficial impact of the digital technologies compared with standard self-management of COPD without digital technologies
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long-term clinical improvement in COPD using COPD Assessment Test score and the number of exacerbations
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resource use associated with the technologies and NHS standard care
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intervention acceptance, completion rates, patient preference, and uptake rates
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adverse events.
Companies can strengthen the evidence base by also having evidence for:
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effects on health-related quality of life measured through the EQ‑5D‑3L
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effectiveness in different subgroups
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where the technologies are used in the care pathway.