To develop predictive models for short-term readmission (60 days) and medium term (one year) for patients with an exacerbation of COPD (eCOPD) which are admitted to any of the participant hospitals. To identify factors contributing to readmission from the time of discharge from the index admission to the studied readmission time. Methodology. Design: Prospective cohort study with a nested case control study, with follow up to one year. Patients: 1500 patients admitted over a year and a half in any of the 9 participant hospitals by an eCOPD. Methods: During admission, background information on patient situation prior to admission, data of the ED during admission, and discharge planning, will be collected from medical history. The investigators will also survey patients (generic and specific health-related quality life -HRQoL- dependence, social support, presence of fragility). All patients will be followed to determining whether any readmission until 60 and up to one year of discharge from the index admission occurs. Patients readmitted at the first 60 days after discharge will be surveyed on a number of possible causes of readmission (continuity of care, medication, complications, individual and social factors). A one to one control group will be established to compare different factors studied in the case group (readmission). Statistical analysis: predictive models will be developed from the derivation sample, and validated in a validation sample. Also, the factors evaluated in the case-control study will be compared using appropriate test for paired samples.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Episodes of patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Those patients can be admitted with 2 presentations: A) known case of COPD: episodes of patients with a previous diagnosis of COPD (FEV1/FVC\<70%) who have an exacerbation of COPD. The exacerbation of COPD is defined as an acute worsening of symptoms in relation to the baseline situation and beyond the patient's daily variability. In addition, the exacerbation makes necessary to make changes in the patient's usual medication. The most frequently reported symptoms are dyspnea, cough, increased the sputum's production, and changes in the sputum's color. B) New case of COPD: episodes in which COPD is suspected because of the medical history and anamnesis (smokers or ex-smorkers of more than 15 pack/year, with basal dyspnea, cough, and expectoration for more than three months per year) and it is compatible with an exacerbation. The diagnosis will be confirmed at respiratory outpatient clinic within two months after discharge, by performing a spirometry when the patient is stable. If COPD is not confirmed in this consultation, the patient would be excluded from the study.
* Patients who sign informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients admitted with obstructive or restrictive ventilatory failure due to another disease (asthma, consequences of tuberculosis, pachypleuritis, restrictive diseases).
* All COPD patients finally admitted for any other cause, other than exa…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.