top of page

Closing the Gap in COPD Research: ICRA’s Mission to Harmonize Global Data Standards

ree

Published in Pragmatic & Observational Research, ICRA’s latest manuscript outlines a critical methodology for defining and standardizing clinical study variables for patients with – or at risk of – multimorbidity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

 

Why  This Matters

 

Consistent, well-defined variables are the backbone of high-quality research. They enable robust study design and accurate reporting in research and quality improvement initiatives in COPD care.

 

How We’re Making It Happen

 

ICRA is developing a comprehensive suite of standardized variables through a modified Delphi process and consensus study.

 

This process includes:

 

  • Committee Voting & Review: Following extensive literature review, ICRA’s Steering Committee vote on key candidate clinical variables and refine their definitions.

  • Global Input to Reach Consensus: Following committee review, a diverse, international panel of experts from ICRA’s multidisciplinary group will participate in the Delphi process to ensure global representation and consensus.

 

The Impact

 

These harmonized definitions will strengthen research quality and help improve patient outcomes worldwide.

 

“It’s fantastic to see this work published”, shared ICRA’s committee co-chair, Professor Chris Gale. “It addresses a clear unmet need to improve COPD care through harmonized, internationally agreed data standards. We hope this is the first of many impactful contributions from ICRA.”

 

Once complete, this standardized set of variables will guide future clinical studies and quality improvement programs for COPD patients - closing a critical scientific gap in managing cardiopulmonary risk and multimorbidity.

 

 

For more information, contact ICRA via ICRAComms@optimumpatientcare.org 

 

Reference: Joseph T, Bhutani M, Couper A, Pullen R, Nadarajah R, Alves L, Montero-Arias MF, Al-Lehebi R, Berg DD, Hawkins NM, Hurst JR, Jenkins CR, Kaplan A, Kocks JWH, Kostikas K, Lam CSP, Lapperre TS, Rhee CK, Sattar N, Stolz D, Tse G, Winders T, Price D, Gale CP. Derivation and Definitions of Clinical Study Variables for Multiple Long Term Conditions in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Protocol for a Modified Delphi Methods and Consensus Study on Behalf of the International Cardiovascular and Respiratory Alliance. Pragmat Obs Res. 2025;16:243-251. https://doi.org/10.2147/POR.S550533

bottom of page