Global RECHARGE: NIHR Global Health Research Group on Respiratory Rehabilitation
PI: Professor Sally Singh
Study dates: 01.04.2018 – 31.03.2021
The RECHARGE Team
The global burden of disability associated with chronic lung disease is very large and growing, especially in low-mid income countries (LMIC). Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a low cost, high impact intervention that reverses the disability associated with lung disease, and is supported by the highest level of research evidence, currently not available in LMIC. PR brings together health professionals from many disciplines offering supervised exercise training and disease education, supporting people to manage their own disease.
RECHARGE aims to build on existing research collaborations with partners in Kyrgyzstan and Uganda and support new collaborations with teams in India and Sri Lanka, centred on an intervention to reduce disability via pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Together we will co-produce, implement and evaluate culturally and context appropriate PR interventions and associated workforce development programmes (Work Package 1).
We will develop and implement an international PR database that will promote and facilitate a step change in research collaboration and knowledge exchange in PR (Work Package 2). Research capacity development, project management and research dissemination will be delivered through Work Package 3.
WP1. To develop a culturally acceptable PR intervention that will reduce the disability associated with chronic lung disease (including Tuberculosis). This addresses an unmet need and would make a significant and sustainable contribution to the wellbeing of individuals with chronic lung disease. In parallel, we will work with healthcare professionals to ensure that they are able to deliver high quality PR programmes.
WP2. To develop an international, robust and secure PR dataset with contributions from our existing and new partners. This database will ensure a common way to record information about lung disease and rehabilitation, and provide a rich resource for future research projects.
WP3. WPs 1 and 2 will form the basis of WP3: research capacity development. Training will be delivered locally to help health professionals to deliver PR effectively, develop data management and other health research skill.
Global Partners
1. Chest Research Foundation (India)
• Dr Sundeep Salvi
2. University of Sri Jayewardenepura
• Prof Savithri W. Wimalasekera
3. Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI)
• Dr Bruce Kirenga
4. National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine (NCCIM)
• Prof Talant Sooronbaev
For more information about the project please email recharge@leicester.ac.uk
Twitter: @Global_RECHARGE
This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (17/63/20) using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK Department of Health and Social Care