Chiesi UK and Ireland, in collaboration with Health Innovation Manchester, has announced the launch of the Improving Outcomes in Respiratory across Greater Manchester (MISSON) project. This initiative will introduce the clinically validated LungHealth software in up to 150 GP practices across the region over a two-year period. The software utilizes existing digital technology, incorporating embedded algorithms based on national and international guidelines alongside patients’ medical records, to facilitate computer-guided consultations for annual reviews of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These consultations can be conducted either remotely or face-to-face.
The MISSON project represents the largest regional implementation of LungHealth software in the UK. Its primary goal is to assess whether this technology can enhance the quality, effectiveness, and consistency of patient reviews, ultimately reducing the impact of asthma and COPD exacerbations on both patients and the NHS. Preliminary estimates suggest that NHS England could achieve savings of up to £65.6 million in the first year, assuming comprehensive adoption of the LungHealth software across all practices, which involves a £30.9 million investment. Data collected from this collaborative project will be instrumental in informing NHS decision-making regarding the long-term adoption of technology to support respiratory reviews.
The MISSON initiative addresses critical gaps in the management of asthma and COPD, with over five million people in the UK living with asthma and 1.4 million with COPD. Guidelines recommend that respiratory patients receive reviews at least once every 12 months due to the significant morbidity and mortality rates associated with these conditions. However, it is estimated that only 30% of people with asthma and fewer than 20% of those with COPD in the UK receive even basic levels of care. This shortfall includes delays in diagnosis, misdiagnoses, inadequate disease management, and a lack of medical guidance and support. Greater Manchester, in particular, faces high prevalence rates of asthma and COPD, with emergency hospital admissions 30% higher than the national average.
Ralph Blom, General Manager of Chiesi UK and Ireland, remarked, “At Chiesi, we’re dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions that support healthcare professionals and enhance patient care. This partnership is integral to delivering better care for people with respiratory diseases, easing healthcare workloads, and addressing the unmet needs of our local communities. We’re excited to see the positive impact it can have.”
LungHealth software assists healthcare professionals in conducting high-quality and consistent reviews that align with national and international standards. It promotes effective history-taking and offers prompts for guideline-based treatment interventions, regardless of the clinician’s expertise. The technology features a comprehensive data dashboard for tracking outputs and can be utilized both remotely and in person to guide appropriate actions during annual reviews. Importantly, it involves patients in decision-making at every stage, ensuring they remain engaged in managing their condition. The software also provides information about community support services, such as pulmonary rehabilitation and smoking cessation, while offering clinical prompts to upskill healthcare professionals for the future. Overall, the technology aims to streamline patient care and alleviate the burden on healthcare providers by improving review efficiency. Additionally, it supports the NHS’s green agenda by striving to reduce carbon-heavy hospital admissions related to asthma and COPD exacerbations.
Dr. Tracey Vell, Medical Director of Health Innovation Manchester, stated, “We hope that our collaboration with Chiesi will lead to significantly improved outcomes for our asthma and COPD patients in Greater Manchester, demonstrating the role technology can play in addressing health challenges. The software will facilitate clinical reviews for busy GP practices and ensure that patients receive optimal care. The implementation of the LungHealth software will enable more efficient reviews in accordance with the latest guidance, alleviating the burden on Primary Care while providing better care for patients.”
The MISSON project is a collaborative effort between Chiesi UK and Ireland and Health Innovation Manchester, with LungHealth being delivered as part of this initiative by National Services for Health Improvement.
