Supported Rescue Packs Post-discharge in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
This study, called Supported Rescue Packs Post-discharge in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is for people with COPD who have recently been in hospital for a flare-up. We know that many people with COPD return to hospital within 90 days of being discharged. This study is testing if a special plan, called a 'supported rescue pack', can help reduce these readmissions. The supported rescue pack plan includes a supply of medicines (a 'rescue pack'), a written guide to help you manage your COPD, and regular phone or text check-ups for 90 days. We want to see if this extra support is better than the standard care usually given after leaving hospital. The aim is to improve your health and reduce the chance of you needing to go back to hospital soon after being discharged.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you'll know how tough it can be. You might experience daily cough and breathlessness, and sometimes your symptoms can suddenly get much worse. These sudden worsening episodes are called 'exacerbations' or 'flare-ups', and they can be serious enough to land you in hospital. After coming home from the hospital, it's a worrying time, as many people with COPD find themselves back in hospital within a few months.
Doctors and nurses are really keen to find better ways to support people once they've left hospital after a COPD flare-up. At the moment, guidelines suggest giving out 'rescue packs' (a supply of emergency medicine like steroids and antibiotics) and a basic management plan. However, we've seen that many people still end up back in hospital despite these recommendations. This study aims to tackle this problem directly.
This research will involve 1400 people across 30 NHS hospitals. Half of the people will receive the usual care after discharge, while the other half will get a 'supported rescue pack' plan. This plan includes the standard rescue medicines, a clear written guide on how to manage your COPD at home, and regular phone calls or text messages from a healthcare professional to check how you're doing. By comparing these two approaches, we hope to find out if this extra support can significantly reduce the number of people who return to hospital within 90 days, ultimately helping people with COPD live healthier lives.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to reduce hospital readmissions for COPD patients.
- It tests a 'supported rescue pack' plan versus standard care.
- The plan includes emergency medicines, a self-management guide, and phone/text support.
- Participation lasts 90 days after hospital discharge.
- The goal is to improve patient outcomes and potentially save NHS costs.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 40 or over who have recently been discharged from hospital after a COPD flare-up. You would have stayed in hospital for at least four hours for this flare-up, but it doesn't include if you were just seen and sent home from the emergency department.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you needed a breathing machine (invasive ventilation) during your recent hospital stay, or if doctors expect that you might not live for another 90 days. Also, if you’ve already moved into a care home or a nursing home after your hospital stay, you won't be eligible. You also need to be able to manage the self-management plan and have access to a telephone. Additionally, if you're already taking part in another medical study or have been part of this specific 'RAPID' study before, you won't be able to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 40 years old or older?
- Have you recently been in hospital for a COPD flare-up (at least a 4-hour stay)?
- Are you able to manage a written self-management plan?
- Do you have access to a telephone?
- Are you NOT currently part of another interventional research study?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, your involvement will last for 90 days after you've left the hospital. You will be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will receive the usual care after discharge, which might include advice and medicines as standard practice. The other group will receive a 'supported rescue pack' plan.
If you're in the 'supported rescue pack' group, you'll receive a supply of 'rescue' medicines (steroids and antibiotics) to keep at home, along with a written plan explaining when and how to use them if your COPD flares up. You will also get phone calls or text messages twice a week for 90 days to check on your symptoms and offer support. All participants will have their hospital readmission rates monitored during this 90-day period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (34)
- Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBarnsley, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- University Hospitals Birminham NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBirmingham, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- Blackpool Teaching HospitalsVerified postcodeBlackpool, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBradford, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBrighton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- North Bristol University TrustVerified postcodeBristol, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeDurham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Gateshead NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeGateshead, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation TrustVerified postcodeIpswich, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLancaster, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustVerified postcodeLeicester, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- Cardiff and Vale University Health BoardVerified postcodeLlandough, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'supported rescue pack'?
It's a plan that includes emergency medicines (like steroids and antibiotics), a written guide for managing your COPD, and regular phone or text check-ups for 90 days after leaving hospital.
What is a COPD flare-up?
It's when your COPD symptoms, like cough or breathlessness, suddenly get much worse and might need extra treatment or even a hospital visit.
How long does the study last?
Your involvement in the study will last for 90 days after you are discharged from the hospital.
Will I definitely get the 'supported rescue pack'?
Not necessarily. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive the supported rescue pack plan or the usual care, like drawing lots.
What happens if I want to leave the study?
You can leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your future medical care.
How to find out more
Mona Bafadhel, Professor
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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