Action plans and case manager support may hasten recovery of symptoms following an acute exacerbation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Journal of Physiotherapy
Tanja Effing

Abstract

In patients with COPD, does an action plan (AP) with support from a case manager lead to earlier contact with healthcare professionals and faster recovery from an exacerbation? Randomised, controlled trial with concealed allocation. Patients were unaware of the study aims. 8 regional hospitals and 5 general practices in Europe. Adults with COPD, aged > 40 years, with a substantial smoking history, and using bronchodilators were eligible. Exclusion criteria were a primary diagnosis of asthma or cardiac disease, or presence of disease that would affect mortality or participation (eg, confusion). Randomisation of 233 patients allocated 111 to the intervention group and 122 to the control group. Both groups received usual care and brief nurse-led education about management of their disease. In addition, the intervention group received an individualised written AP, encouragement to contact the nurse for more information if needed, and two standardised telephone reinforcement sessions at 1 and 4 months following randomisation. The nurse, in consultation with physician, was able to provide a course of corticosteroids and antibiotics. Patients recorded their symptoms daily and completed the 24-hour Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) eve...Continue Reading

Citations

Mar 31, 2015·Journal of Hospital Medicine : an Official Publication of the Society of Hospital Medicine·Leonard ChowNicola A Hanania

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