The primary objective of this study is to determine if a sputum colour chart can aid patient self-management of COPD exacerbations, such that use of the chart is non-inferior to usual care with respect to hospital admissions. There are also a range of other secondary objectives as detailed in the secondary outcomes section. An integral pilot phase, economic evaluation and process evaluation are also included.

This study is a pragmatic, individually randomized trial, set in primary care, comparing usual care to the use of a sputum colour chart in patients at risk of hospital admission for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD), with the hypothesis that use of a colour chart will be non-inferior to usual care with respect to hospital admission rate after 12 months of follow-up, this being the primary outcome measure. Use of a chart might reduce antibiotic use, and thus might also change patterns of antibiotic resistance long term, such that these are important secondary outcomes. There is an internal pilot phase, a detailed process evaluation and a cost-effectiveness study.

The trial protocol also includes three sub-studies: 1) using a daily electronic symptom diary capable of picking up symptom defined (but potentially unreported) AECOPD, since these are an important prognostic marker (section 3); 2) collecting sputum samples from patients to assess patterns of antibiotic resistance and 3) a qualitative study which will include staff (for example, healthcare staff delivering the intervention) and patients.

This trial uses a sputum colour chart as part of a self-management intervention that enables patients with COPD to determine whether they have an exacerbation, and whether this requires antibiotic treatment. The 5 point sputum colour chart, adapted from Bronkotest® is being used.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically diagnosed COPD, confirmed by a medical record of post-bronchodilator spirometry denoting obstruction.
• ≥2 AECOPD in the 12 months prior to screening according to the patient or ≥1 hospital admission for AECOPD (i.e. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease- GOLD; C or D).
• Able to safely use SM plan in the view of their usual care practitioner
• Able to use sputum colour chart; this will be confirmed by a sight test if there is any doubt on initial assessment by the usual care or research team. Patients who report being colour blind will have their ability to use the chart tested at the screening visit.
• Written Informed consent given

Additionally, to participate in the E-diary sub-study. - Access to smartphone/tablet and an email address.

Additionally, to participate in the Sputum sub-study.

- Chronic bronchitis, defined by self-reported sputum production for at least 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years or more.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Household member already participating in the study.

Datasets generated and analysed during the current study will be available upon request from Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit (BCTU: bctudatashare@contacts.bham.ac.uk). Data will typically be available within 6 months after the primary publication unless it is not possible to share the data. Only scientifically sound proposals from appropriately qualified Research Groups will be considered for data sharing. The request will be reviewed by the BCTU Data Sharing Committee in discussion with the CI and, where appropriate (or in absence of the CI) any of the following: the Trial Sponsor, the relevant Trial Management Group, and the independent Trial Steering Committee. A formal Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) may be required between respective organisations once the release of the data is approved and before data can be released. Data will be fully anonymised unless the DSA covers the transfer of patient identifiable information. Data transfer will use a secure and encrypted method.