Effectiveness and Feasibility of Delivering an Education Program to Patients With an Acute Exacerbation of COPD

Effectiveness and Feasibility of Delivering an Introductory Education Program to Patients Admitted to Hospital With an Acute Exacerbation of COPD - a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine if it is effective and feasible to provide a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) education program to patients admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD.

Following an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) evidence strongly suggests that all patients should be discharged with an action plan, consisting of identified patient responsibilities for their ongoing care and advice on recognizing and seeking help in the event of future acute exacerbations. Despite these recommendations, structured chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) specific education is rarely offered within acute hospital settings and, in addition, research in this area is limited. This study aims to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of an introductory education program delivered during and shortly after an AECOPD hospitalization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• medically confirmed diagnosis of AECOPD (alone or combined with other conditions)
• capable of understanding the study information and giving informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• admitted due to lung diseases other than COPD
• received COPD education in the previous 6 months (in primary care, acute or rehabilitation hospitals)
• presence of diagnosis of dementia or incapacity to learn due to cognitive issues
• have medical, cognitive or language limitations to communicating in written or spoken English
• have participated or been asked to participate in the trial before
• in the intensive care unit