An excess of all-cause acute health services utilization in the intervention arm

The purpose of this study is to determine whether disease management program is effective in preventing acute exacerbations in patients with unstable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.

The aim of the present study is to test the efficacy of a comprehensive community disease management program in patients with unstable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. The intervention is delivered by designated nurses and pulmonologists, in collaboration with the primary practitioners and other healthcare professionals at the community, in the Jerusalem and the Lowland District of Maccabi Health Services in Israel.

The main purpose is to evaluate the effect of the intervention on the use acute care and emergency health services for acute exacerbation of the lung disease.

Secondary objectives include the evaluation of the effect of the intervention on quality of life, physical function, pulmonary function test, depression and all-cause mortality.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men and women
2. 40 years or older
3. Having unstable COPD or Asthma

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant LV dysfunction
2. Other severe chronic morbidity compromising short-term survival
3. Significant cognitive impairment or psychiatric disease
4. Bedridden
5. Homeless or no telephone connection