Effectiveness of discharge-coordinator intervention in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: study protocol of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

摘要: Summary Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) follows a slowly progressive natural course that can be accelerated by acute exacerbations, which frequently trigger admissions to hospital. Specific healthcare professional profiles such as of discharge coordinator have been successful in reducing numbers hospitalizations and need for medical care patients with various chronic diseases, but data COPD are sparse inconclusive. This study was conceived test whether coordinated post-discharge could reduce re-hospitalizations use resources COPD. Methods/Design ongoing single-center randomized controlled clinical trial, began November 2009, is enrolling Global Initiative Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages II IV, hospitalized because exacerbation. Patients 1:1 fashion the intervention group, has organized coordinator, control group receiving usual care. The primary endpoint number worsening Data collected at baseline, time hospital discharge, following time-points after discharge: 48 hours, 7 10 days, 30 90 180 days. Discussion In requiring admission, appears feasible option improving patient system-related outcomes. will provide evidence on effectiveness exacerbation may give relevant guidance implementation practice. Clinical trial registration number: NCT01225627