Home-based Health Management of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) Patients

Home-based Health Management of COPD Patients

Regular physical activity has been found to be important in maintaining health and well-being in people with COPD. The purpose of this study is to test new technology and health coaching aimed to help people with COPD become more physically active in their daily lives.

This study consists of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation system. The system consists of a tablet computer, pulse oximeter, activity monitor and weekly telephone health coach calls. The rehabilitation period lasts 8 weeks. This is a randomized trial with two groups. Group A will complete the study activities during the first 8 weeks of the study followed by a period of observation. Group B will complete 8 weeks of observation followed by 8 weeks of rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Men and women age 40 years and older

  • Current or former smoker of at least 10 pack-years
  • Diagnosis of Global Initiative for Chronic Lung Disease (GOLD) stage II, III or IV COPD as documented by pulmonary function
  • Are eligible for Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Unable to perform mild exercises

  • Patients with a high likelihood of being lost to follow-up or contact (patients with active chemical dependency), are planning to move out of the state, are not living in the healthcare area.
  • Patients with an inability to provide good data or follow commands (patients who are disoriented, have a severe neurologic or psychiatric condition).