Subgroup analysis showed that telemonitoring reduced exacerbation rates when the intervention continued for longer than six months or pulmonary function was monitored .
Conclusions Telemonitoring for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was unlikely to result in statistically significant improvements in health outcomes .
However , our novel finding was that at least six months of intervention duration and monitoring of pulmonary function play roles in activating the effects of telemonitoring
Aims The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of telemonitoring for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
Tele-monitoring reduces exacerbation of COPD in the context of climate change–a randomized controlled trial
Background A home based tele-monitoring system was developed to assess the effects of heat stress ( days > 25 ° C ) on clinical and functional status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) . Methods Sixty-two COPD patients ( GOLD II – IV ) were r and omized into a tele-monitoring Group ( TG , N = 32 ) or Control Group ( CG , N = 30 ) . Tele-monitoring included 1 ) daily clinical status ( COPD Assessment Test-CAT ) , 2 ) daily lung function and 3 ) weekly 6-minute walk test ( 6MWT ) . Duration of monitoring lasted a total of nine months ( 9 M ) . Results From June 1st – August 31st 2012 , 32 days with heat stress ( 29.0 ± 2.5 ° C ) were recorded and matched with 32 thermal comfort days ( 21.0 ± 2.9 ° C ) . During heat stress , the TG showed a significant reduction in lung function and exercise capacity ( FEV1 % predicted : 51.1 ± 7.2 vs. 57.7 ± 5.0 % ; P < 0.001 and 6MWT performance : 452 ± 85 vs. 600 ± 76 steps ; P < 0.001 ) and increase in CAT scores ( 19.2 ± 7.9 vs. 16.2 ± 7.2 ; P < 0.001).Over summer , significantly fewer TG patients suffered exacerbation of COPD compared to CG patients ( 3 vs. 14 ; P = 0.006 ) . Over entire 9 M follow-up , the TG group had fewer exacerbations compared to CG ( 7 vs. 22 ; P = 0.012 ) , shorter cumulative hospital stay ( 34 vs. 97 days ) and 43 % fewer specialist consultations ( 24 . vs. 42 ; P = 0.04 ) . Conclusion Heat stress affects clinical and functional status in COPD . Tele-monitoring reduces exacerbation frequency and health care utilization during heat stress and other periods of the year . Trial registration DRKS-ID : DRK00000705
Subgroup analysis showed that telemonitoring reduced exacerbation rates when the intervention continued for longer than six months or pulmonary function was monitored .
Conclusions Telemonitoring for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was unlikely to result in statistically significant improvements in health outcomes .
However , our novel finding was that at least six months of intervention duration and monitoring of pulmonary function play roles in activating the effects of telemonitoring
Aims The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of telemonitoring for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .