PURSUIT Study - Improving identification of work-related asthma in primary care

The PURSUIT study aims to improve how work-related asthma is identified in primary care settings across the UK.

Work-related asthma is common and affects around one in four working adults with asthma. Symptoms may be caused or worsened by exposures at work such as dusts, fumes, chemicals, cleaning products, temperature changes, or physical exertion. Despite this, many people are never asked about their work or whether their symptoms improve away from work, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and poorer health and employment outcomes.

The PURSUIT study is developing a behaviour change intervention to support primary healthcare professionals in recognising possible work-related asthma earlier and referring patients appropriately. The study combines qualitative research, behavioural science, implementation science, and patient and public involvement to ensure that the intervention is practical, evidence-informed, and relevant to NHS primary care.

The project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research for Patient Benefit Programme.

What will the study involve?

The study will involve:

1. Interviews with patients and primary healthcare professionals
2. Focus groups exploring possible intervention approaches
3. Development and refinement of a multi-component intervention aimed at improving identification of work-related asthma in primary care

The study is being led by researchers from the University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

Research team

Chief Investigator

• Dr Gareth Walters – Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Birmingham; Occupational Lung Disease Service, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Study team

• Dr Zakia Shariff – Study research fellow, Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Birmingham
• Dr Rachel Adams – Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham
• Dr Laura Kudrna – Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Birmingham
• Dr Shamil Haroon** – Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Birmingham
• Mr Paul Oxnard – Expert patient
• Professor Peymane Adab – Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Birmingham

Patient and public involvement

Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) is embedded throughout the study. People with lived experience of work-related asthma have contributed to the design of the study and will continue to inform recruitment approaches, interpretation of findings, and dissemination of results.

Further information

For further information about the study, please contact:

Dr Zakia Shariff

Department of Applied Health Sciences

University of Birmingham

Email: XXX, telephone: XXX