Table 2.

Key points from COPE study

Study name (registration)	Characterisation of COPD Exacerbations using Environmental Exposure Modelling (COPE)8
Sponsorship	Academic – Imperial, MRC funded.
Clinical setting	Chronic obstructive pulmonary in primary care, UK only: national.
Design	Patient-consented longitudinal cohort study (non-randomised).
Size	N=130.
Key outcome measure	COPD exacerbations.
Rationale for presentation	Design and feasibility.
Key discussion points	The aim of the COPE study was to develop a method for predicting COPD exacerbations as a result of environmental exposures. Quality algorithmic query specification to identify patient cohorts in EHR relies on data quality. The algorithm for COPE was validated in a previous study by comparing the EHR records with additional information provided by GPs.60 The validated query was applied centrally to search for patients in the CPRD database. GPs were then contacted and asked to take part in confirming patient eligibility from a prescreened patient list. Centralised searching of the EHR greatly minimised GP screening time in confirming patient eligibility. It was also possible for a GP to exclude patients who may not be suitable to take part (eg, due to caring for a sick relative). No algorithm could reliably account for these types of patient exclusions. Lessons from the study were that it is feasible to recruit patients from EHR and readily collect data for long-term follow-up, although this method does depend on GP participation. Using EHR meant far less effort than manual screening of GP records. Because of the specificity of the EHR and clinical validation steps, more appropriate patients were approached, which reduced time needed for patient screening. Patients approached were keen to be involved in the study and as a result the enrolment was higher than using conventional methods.

COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; EHR, electronic health record; GPs, general practitioners.