Reducing hospital visits for COPD patients affected by wildfire smoke
Official title: Preventing hospitalizations for COPD exacerbations due to air pollution from wildfire smoke
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-11053613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people with COPD by figuring out who might be more likely to end up in the hospital because of smoke from wildfires, and it will also test ways to improve their air quality at home, like using air cleaners.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,200 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL173649-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly those living in areas affected by wildfire smoke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with COPD who are not exposed to wildfire smoke or live in regions with good air quality may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to identify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are at high risk of hospitalization due to exacerbations caused by air pollution from wildfire smoke. The project will develop a prediction model using advanced analytics that incorporates air pollution data to better understand and mitigate the impact of environmental factors on these patients. Additionally, the study will explore the effectiveness of interventions, such as indoor air cleaners, to reduce exposure to harmful particulate matter. By focusing on diverse patient populations, the research seeks to address health disparities related to air quality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management strategies for COPD patients, reducing hospitalizations and enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interventions targeting air quality can improve health outcomes for patients with respiratory conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myers, Laura Christine — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Myers, Laura Christine
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.