OUH takes part in pioneering trial to transform care for people with MND

People living with motor neurone disease (MND) could benefit from a world-first NHS clinical trial that is testing innovative remote monitoring technology to help them to access breathing support from home.

The DENIM trial, led by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is the first in the world to test the benefits of remotely monitoring and adjusting portable ventilators used by MND patients. Oxfordshire is one of 12 areas of England taking part in the trial.

Ventilation is currently one of the few treatments proven to extend life and improve quality of life in MND patients, whilst also alleviating symptoms of breathing problems.

MND, which affects one in 300 people, is a progressive disease that affects the nerves controlling movement, resulting in muscle weakness and symptoms such as difficulties swallowing, speaking and breathing. Breathing difficulties are the most common cause of death in people living with the disease.

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a breathing mask therapy that helps patients with MND to breath more effectively – reducing breathlessness, sleep disturbance and fatigue and improving quality of life and overall survival.

OUH respiratory consultant Dr Christopher Turnbull, who is principal investigator at OUH for the trial, said: “Despite the benefits of NIV, more than half of patients with MND find it difficult to use and consequently don’t get those benefits. DENIM is the first study to look at whether remote monitoring and intensive support when starting NIV in patients with MND can help patients to increase their NIV usage.”

The study runs in two parts, with all patients initially receiving usual care, before moving over to intensive support and remote monitoring at a later point in the study.

“We are hopeful this trial will provide the evidence to expand access to this potentially life-changing technology for the people living with MND across the UK. We also expect that these digital services will help keep people out of busy hospitals, unless necessary, and support the NHS in delivering safe, high-quality care in the community,” Dr Turnbull added.

The study, which aims to recruit 252 people nationally, will run until the end of January 2028.