You can help shape research into pulmonary fibrosis
Ian Jarrold, Deputy Head of Research and Innovation at BLF shares how you can help shape research into pulmonary fibrosis.
One of the most important aspects of tackling lung conditions through research is knowing which questions to ask. Identifying the most important questions that, if answered, will make the biggest difference will help researchers focus on delivering the biggest impact as soon as possible.
The James Lind Alliance (JLA) is a not-for-profit organisation that works to identify and prioritise the “Top 10” unanswered questions in a particular research topic. They do this by working with people affected by the condition and the health professionals who treat it.
We’re supporting the JLA, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, and the Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre who are working to identify the top 10 research priorities for “progressive pulmonary fibrosis”. This is a phrase that represents a series of lung conditions that feature inflammation and scarring, including:
non-specific interstitial pneumonia
chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis
unclassifiable interstitial lung disease (ILD)
connective tissue disease-associated ILD
occupational disease-related ILD.
A survey has been launched to begin the journey towards identifying the top 10 research questions. The survey is looking to capture questions that research could answer to offer life-changing differences to anyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis. It can be answered by patients, their carers or family, or people with different experiences of progressive pulmonary fibrosis, including people working in the health and care environment.
The deadline for completing the survey is Monday 10 May 2021 but it only takes about 5 minutes to complete and can be found here.
We want as many people as possible to take part and express their views, so please feel free to spread the word amongst your family, friends, colleagues and anyone you know who is connected with pulmonary fibrosis.
By working together we can bring forward the development of effective treatments and care in pulmonary fibrosis.
Our amazing supporter, Gerard, sadly lost his wife Margaret to bronchiectasis in October 2023. This year he took on a special challenge to remember her and raise awareness of this condition. Here he tells us all about the challenge and what it meant to him.