LAUSR

Introduction: Singing for Lung Health (SLH) is a novel intervention for people with respiratory disease, including physical and vocal warm ups, rhythm and pitch games, repertoire and cool down/relaxation exercises. Groups are run by leaders who have received quality assured British Lung Foundation (BLF) training (Lewis A. et al, bmjresp 2017; 000216). Qualitative results suggest benefits to physical, mental and emotional health. Limited data also suggest objective improvements in measures of quality of life with SLH are achievable (Lewis A. et al, npjpcrm 2016;80). It is not known how effective the SLH groups supported by the BLF in the UK are. Aims and Objectives: To understand the clinical impact SLH has on people with respiratory disease. Methods: The BLF conducted a questionnaire survey of 228 singers with respiratory disease from its SLH groups in 2016-2017. Questionnaires were administered prior to participants’ first session and after 12 weeks of singing. Results: 113 (49.5%) of participants provided 12 week data. There were significant improvements in CAT score (Mean -1.4 CI: (0.25 - -2.48) (p = 0.017). Furthermore, 45% of singers reported reduced GP visits (p = 0.00002) and 18% reported reduced hospital admissions (p = 0.01). However, there were no significant improvements in general quality of life, anxiety, patient activation, breathlessness or inhaler use. Conclusion: This evaluation found that participants in SLH groups report improvement in respiratory health-related quality of life and a reduction in healthcare utilisation. SLH has potential economic and health benefits. Therefore, to confirm these findings these endpoints should be evaluated further in large scale randomised controlled trials.