The Birmingham Lung Improvement StudieS (BLISS) programme is a series of connected research studies about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) funded by a five-year programme grant from the National Institute for Health Research. The overall aim of the programme is to evaluate new ways of better identifying and managing patients with COPD in the community.
COPD is a progressive long-term respiratory condition which is vastly underdiagnosed. Many people with the condition are unaware that they have it until they are at a more advanced stage. More research is needed to find the most efficient way of identifying patients earlier in their disease, and also to identify which factors contribute to a better outlook for patients.
The work of BLISS will help to answer some important questions about COPD and provide an evidence-base for many important clinical and health service decisions. The results will inform the development of care for COPD patients alongside the Clinical Outcomes Strategy for COPD and Asthma in the UK.
Please browse this website for details of the research team, the current programme of work and opportunities to get involved. There are specific areas for COPD patients, participants, the public and academic researchers/clinicians. Please contact us if you would like any further information.