Living with chronic cough? Get involved in our advisory group

The European Lung Foundation (ELF) has a Patient Advisory Group (PAG) made up of people living with chronic cough who share their perspectives to help improve the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough. 

We want to expand this PAG to include more people from across Europe. We currently have good representation from people living in the UK and would like to involve more people living in other European countries.

WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU:

• Are over 18 and have experience of living with a chronic cough that is not linked to a specific diagnosis. A chronic cough is a cough that does not get better after a period of treatment and has lasted for more than 8 weeks.
• Are resident in a European country (outside of the UK).
• Can communicate in English (spoken and written).
• Are interested in improving the treatment of chronic cough across Europe.
• Are willing to share your perspective on living with a chronic cough.
• Have access to a computer and the internet.

 PROJECTS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN:

1.  A European Respiratory Society Task Force that is developing clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough. A group of doctors from across Europe aim to produce recommendations for healthcare professionals on the best way to treat and care for people based on published research. They want to make sure that the needs and experiences of patients are considered as part of these recommendations.
2. A European research network (a Clinical Research Collaboration) called NeuroCough (New Understanding in the Treatment of Cough) which aims to advance science and research about chronic cough. It aims to create a registry of specialist cough clinics and of chronic cough patients to get involved in clinical trials and to produce online information for people with chronic cough.

WHAT'S INVOLVED?

As a member of the cough PAG, you will be asked to share your perspective on aspects of the projects above, such as the aspects of chronic cough that impact most on your daily life, your thoughts on treatment and any side effects from medications, and aspects of cough that may not have previously been studied.

The group will meet by teleconference and communicate by email. Representatives from the group may also be invited to some face-to-face meetings in Europe.

Any costs for getting involved in the PAG, such as telephone calls, travel and accommodation costs will be covered in line with our expenses policy. Please note that this is a voluntary role, and we are unable to pay for your time.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

If you are interested in getting involved or would like to find out more, please email Jeanette Boyd, ELF patient projects by Friday 23 November.