Project helps find 'hidden millions' living with undiagnosed COPD

A pioneering respiratory project in Hull is supporting the timely diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), helping hundreds of people access life-changing care.  

Since launching in September 2023, the FRONTIER project has reviewed 1,117 patients, who have consented to the use of their data, and diagnosed COPD in 576 people - almost half of all those assessed. 

Led by Hull York Medical School researchers, and supported through a collaborative working project between Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Chiesi Ltd, a biopharmaceutical company, the project has used patient data from the Hull Lung Health study.  

From this data set, hosted by the University of Hull with the Yorkshire and Humber Secure Data Environment (SDE), it identified people at high risk of undiagnosed COPD during Lung Cancer Screening appointments and offered rapid access to diagnosis, treatment and support in a single visit.  

The success of FRONTIER is now attracting national attention. The project has been discussed during a Westminster parliamentary debate and in the Senedd in Wales, while NHS respiratory leaders are exploring how similar clinics could be introduced across the country. 

The project is also helping shape future respiratory policy through ongoing research and health economic modelling, exploring cost savings due to timely diagnosis.  

Michael Crooks, Lead Respiratory Consultant and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Hull York Medical School, headed up the project. He said: 

“FRONTIER demonstrates what can be achieved when proactive healthcare, research and community-focused care come together. By identifying people earlier, we can intervene sooner, support healthier lives and prevent avoidable deterioration. 

“Our project highlights the burden of undiagnosed COPD among those attending the Lung Health Check programme in Hull. Many of those diagnosed with COPD during FRONTIER were living with daily symptoms but had not been able to access treatment due to a lack of diagnosis.  
 
“Identifying people who are at high risk of COPD and offering diagnostic testing enables access to evidence-based COPD care that has potential to significantly improve health outcomes.” 

COPD is a progressive lung disease that often remains undiagnosed until symptoms become severe. Hull has one of the highest smoking rates in England and is the fourth most deprived local authority in the country*, meaning many people live with undetected respiratory disease and poor access to preventative healthcare. 

Before FRONTIER was introduced, patients showing signs of emphysema during lung screening frequently received no further assessment, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention. 

The FRONTIER model has changed that. 

Nick Deayton, NHS Humber Health Partnership, is the project manager for the FRONTIER project. 

He said: “Using the NHS Secure Data Environment (SDE) and partnering with the University of Hull has been fundamentally important to this piece of work. 

“The FRONTIER project is a great example of collaborative working and how we have really developed the capability of this data. By partnering with a number of organisations and using the NHS Secure Data Environment (SDE), we can make real differences to people’s lives. 

“The project represents a major step forward in shifting respiratory healthcare from reactive treatment to prevention and early intervention, ensuring more patients receive the right care at the right time.”  

* Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019 (IMD 2019)