Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Emotional-distress-based Integrated Care Programme in Patients With Stable COPD

Switzerland15 participantsStarted 2026-03-16

Plain-language summary

The investigators have developed a new counselling service that focuses on the emotional distress experienced by people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (\*COPD\*). The new programme is led by an advanced practice nursing (\*APN\*) team. Other professionals are involved in the programme, such as medical staff and physiotherapists. The new counselling service lasts three months. Patients will receive ten counselling 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.

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: * Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD (GOLD 1-4) and existing lung function in the past 12 months * Age ≥ 18 * Outpatient treatment on the pneumology clinic of the university hospital Zurich. Last consultation within the past 12 months Exclusion Criteria: * Significant changes in symptoms over the past 3 months that exceeded the everyday fluctuations and required intensification of treatment (moderate, severe exacerbations or pneumonia) and no COPD-related hospitalisation in the past 3 months * Cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium) * Unstable psychiatric situation, i.e., current psychiatric treatment due to personality disorder, schizophrenia, drug use, suicidal tendencies. No exclusion for nicotine and alcohol abuse, anxiety, and depression * Not speaking or reading German * Intervention via telephone or video call not possible * Lung transplant (recipient or candidate)

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.

1This trial focuses on emotional distress related to COPD — my doctor already addresses my breathing treatments, but how much attention does my current care plan give to the emotional and psychological side of living with COPD?
2Since this trial is listed as 'active, not recruiting,' does that mean I've missed the window to participate, and are there similar integrated care programmes that address COPD-related emotional distress that I could still access?
3The trial is measuring something called 'COPD-related emotional distress' — can you explain what that means in practical terms, and do you think emotional distress is playing a role in how I'm managing my COPD day to day?
4Because this is a Phase N/A study focused on a care programme rather than a drug, what do we actually know so far about whether addressing emotional distress alongside standard COPD treatment can make a meaningful difference to how patients feel and function?
5If this particular trial isn't an option for me right now, are there existing psychological support services, pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, or other resources you could refer me to that take a similar integrated approach to both the physical and emotional sides of COPD?

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.

What they're measuring

Change in COPD-related emotional distress (CRED)

Timeframe: Quantitative data will be collected baseline, in the first month (Baseline measurement, week 0-4), and follow-up, three months after (week 14-17)]

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07524023

SponsorUniversity of Zurich

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09-10

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