PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Phyllis Murphie
AU  - Margaret Gall
AU  - Helen Coles
AU  - Jane Gysin
AU  - Stuart Little
AU  - Paul Rafferty
TI  - CREWS - A validation pilot
DP  - 2012 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - P623
VI  - 40
IP  - Suppl 56
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P623.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P623.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2012 Sep 01; 40
AB  - A previous pilot of a Community Respiratory Early Warning System (CREWS) measuring signs/symptoms with telehealth support to assess its impact on self management skills, early recognition of deterioration and subsequent health care utilisation were positive. A further validation study in 20 patients with severe COPD has now been conducted.2 withdrew consent and 5 died due to the severity of COPD during the evaluation. 13 were invited to complete an evaluation that consisted of a visual analogue scale of their experience of using the CREWS with 1 being not useful and 5 being very useful. 3 were no longer using the CREWS although reported benefit initially in terms of recognising deteriorating health and made contact with the respiratory service. Results from the remaining 10 are reported.100% of respondents reported the CREWS as useful /very useful. On ease of use 70% reported it very easy, 20% fairly easy and 10% easy to use the tool. 90% of respondents are still using the tool.Conclusion: These responses validate the use of CREWS. It has the potential to assist in early recognition of exacerbations, improve self management skills and thus reduce hospital admission rates and will be tested in a larger population.