Join our online discussion on the inhaled exposome and lung health

In support of the new European Respiratory Society clinical research collaboration called EXPLAIN-IT,  ELF is inviting people living with lung conditions to take part in an online focus group about the “inhaled exposome”. This refers to the mix of things we breathe in from our environment over our lifetime, which may affect lung health.

About the focus groups

We are running small, online discussion groups with people who have a lung condition. The sessions will be informal and patient‑focused, and no special scientific knowledge is needed.

The two focus groups will take place on:

• Wednesday 18 March, 17:30-19:00 CET/16:30-18:00 GMT
• Monday 23 March, 13:00-14:30 CET/12:00-13:30 GMT

You only need to attend one of these sessions.

During the focus groups, we will:

• Gather your insights on what the inhaled exposome means to you and how you see it relating to your lung health.
• Identify which environmental and exposure topics you think should be priorities for future research.
• Explore any common misunderstandings or challenges you experience when thinking about how the environment affects your lungs.
• Discuss your comfort, trust and any concerns about different ways researchers collect exposome data, such as environmental monitoring, personal sensors or apps.
• Talk about how you believe findings from exposome research should be used to support patient advocacy, influence policy, and improve clinical care.
• Explore how complex scientific ideas about the exposome can be explained clearly and respectfully to patient communities.

The results of the focus groups will be used to help shape the priorities of the EXPLAIN-IT project and to develop a questionnaire to gather views from a wider group of patients.

Who can take part? 

Adults living with a diagnosed lung condition who are willing to share their views and experiences in a respectful group discussion. No previous research experience is required. 

What to expect  

• Focus groups will be held online via video call. 
• Each session will last around 90 minutes. 
• A facilitator with experience in patient involvement will guide the discussion. 
• Your views will be anonymised and combined with those of other participants. 

How to register 

If you are interested in taking part or would like more information, please contact clare.williams@europeanlung.org by Monday 2 March. Please let us know which of the two dates you could attend.