Improving access to specialist care for patients with COPD and asthma

Pulmonary Specialist-Health Coach Consult (PuSHCon) model to improve access to specialist consultation and receipt of recommended evidence-based care for vulnerable patients with COPD and asthma

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10451757

This study is testing a new way to help people with COPD and asthma get better care by connecting them with lung specialists through health coaches, so they can receive helpful advice without having to go to the hospital.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10451757 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new model called PuSHCon, which connects patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma to pulmonary specialists through health coaches. These health coaches gather important information from patients at their local clinics and relay it to specialists, who can then provide recommendations without needing the patient to visit the hospital. This approach aims to enhance access to evidence-based care and ensure that patients receive the necessary support to implement these recommendations effectively.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma who are receiving care at federally qualified health centers.

Not a fit: Patients with mild respiratory conditions or those not receiving care at federally qualified health centers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to specialized care and treatment for patients with COPD and asthma, leading to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with similar health coaching models in improving access to care and patient outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions burden of diseasedisease burdenyears of life lost to disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.