Emotional-distress-based Integrated Care Programme in Patients With an Acute Exacerbation of COPD

An Emotional-distress-based Integrated Care Programme in Patients With an Acute Exacerbation of COPD (EmoD) - A Feasibility Study

The investigators have developed a new counseling service that focuses on the emotional distress experienced by people living with COPD. The service has been specially developed for patients who have experienced a deterioration in their lung condition (known as an acute exacerbation of COPD). The new program is led by an APN team. Other professionals are involved in the program, such as medical staff and physiotherapists. The new counseling service lasts three months. Patients will receive ten counseling sessions with a specialized nurse.

The overall objective of the study is to assess the feasibility of the newly developed emotional-distress-based integrated care programme.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD (GOLD 1-4)
• Hospitalisation due to a COPD exacerbation and decision to start with steroids and/or antibiotics (severe exacerbation)
• Age ≥ 18
• Inpatient on the pneumology or medical ward

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium) (DOS>3 or AES>6 or Mini-Cog<3)
• Unstable psychiatric disorders
• Not speaking German
• Lung transplant
• Pneumonia caused by chronic colonization by bacteria (Legionella, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM))
• Unable to telephone