CHEST Guidelines-US-Patient-Centered-Research-Priorities-and-Roadma

US-Patient-Centered-Research-Priorities-and-Roadma

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The document outlines the challenges and priorities for research on non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease characterized by airway infection and inflammation. This condition predominantly affects older adults and women, and its management is impeded by limited clinical evidence.

To address these challenges, a comprehensive research roadmap was developed, involving a 23-member stakeholder panel that included clinical experts, patient advocates, and representatives from key organizations. Using a patient needs assessment survey and several webinars, the panel identified 27 patient-centered research priorities in six key areas:

1. <strong>Treatment Improvement</strong>: Priorities include evaluating the efficacy and safety of inhaled corticosteroids and antibiotics, physical airway clearance techniques, and mucolytic therapies.
   
2. <strong>Exacerbation and Infection Treatment</strong>: The research will focus on updating treatment guidelines for associated infections, defining bronchiectasis exacerbations, and optimizing antibiotic use.

3. <strong>Quality of Life Enhancement</strong>: Efforts will concentrate on reducing treatment burden and assessing the impact of novel therapies like acupuncture, diet, and exercise.

4. <strong>Prognosis Prediction</strong>: Developing severity scores and identifying biomarkers for disease progression are prioritized to improve clinical management.

5. <strong>Understanding Underlying Conditions</strong>: Research aims to elucidate the impact of various underlying conditions such as COPD, asthma, and immune disorders on bronchiectasis.

6. <strong>Patient-Centered Clinical Trials</strong>: Emphasis is placed on involving patients in trial design and using quality-of-life measures as trial endpoints.

This roadmap suggests that the alignment of data collection with these priorities and the involvement of patients in research could significantly advance bronchiectasis treatment. Key next steps include enhancing data collection, increasing clinical trials, and raising awareness of the disease to support better management and patient outcomes.

Keywords

non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

chronic lung disease

airway infection

research roadmap

patient-centered priorities

treatment improvement

quality of life

prognosis prediction

underlying conditions

clinical trials