Abstract

One in five people in the UK will develop a lung condition in their lifetime[1] and can wait years to get a diagnosis[2]. LifeArc and Asthma + Lung UK held a workshop in 2023 to understand what diagnostic tests are needed to transform respiratory care[2]. One priority area is better tools that either provide a timely and accurate diagnosis in primary care or expedite the triage of patients into secondary care – a ‘Simple Lung Test’.

To signal the requirements for novel tests we are developing a set of criteria, a target product profile (TPP), which describes the ideal diagnostic ‘product’ required to address the identified need. The TPP document will be patient-focused, incorporating broad lived experience and clinical expertise.

TPP development involves 3 stages: scoping, drafting and refinement, and consensus building. To define the scope of the TPP, we mapped existing care pathways, reviewed NHS guidance and researched the literature. Four chronic lung conditions that could benefit from improved diagnostics in primary care were selected: asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD and interstitial lung diseases. These conditions were selected based on the diagnostic tests currently used and overlapping symptoms.

To gather a range of perspectives on diagnostic journeys and new test characteristics we conducted focus groups with people living with chronic lung conditions and healthcare professionals (across primary, secondary and community care). Thematic analysis was used to draft the characteristics and key features of the Simple Lung Test needed to accelerate and aid diagnosis in primary care. To refine the TPP we held discussions with a broad range of stakeholders including NHS representatives.

We now seek to build consensus using a modified Delphi method and invite feedback on the intended use, value proposition and characteristics of the Simple Lung Test. The final TPP document will be published at the end of 2025; it is intended to streamline the development of new tests and to attract investment from public and private sectors into this area to deliver patient impact.

[1] The International Respiratory Coalition. https://international-respiratory-coalition.org/countries/uk/
[2] Transforming Respiratory Diagnostics. https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/transforming-respiratory-diagnostics-way-forward