Exacerbation Self-management in COPD: The ACCESS Study

Aim is to test the effect of ACCESS ("Adaptive Computerized COPD Exacerbation Self-management Support"), a software application designed to support patients with COPD in self-management of exacerbations.

Rationale: COPD exacerbations considerably affect patients' health status and contribute to COPD related costs. Patients often have problems in recognizing and responding promptly to exacerbations. Tools that support patients in exacerbation self-management such as paper exacerbation action plans and telemonitoring systems have shown some positive results on exacerbation related outcomes. However, many patients appear not to adhere to their action plan instructions. Besides, existing telemonitoring tools rely heavily on the input of healthcare professionals which makes it difficult to assess the true effects and cost effectiveness of telemonitoring systems.

Recently, the Radboud University has developed the "Adaptive Computerized COPD Exacerbation Self-management Support" (ACCESS) system. This software application integrates objective parameters, such as spirometry, pulse-oximetry, temperature, and self-reported symptom worsening into a Bayesian network model resulting in a weighted exacerbation risk prediction. Patients are able to monitor themselves at any given moment. The ACCESS system not only predicts whether an exacerbation is imminent, but also provides ad hoc tailored advice without interference of a healthcare professional.

Objective: In this project the primary aim is to assess the (cost-)effectiveness of the ACCESS system in the support of exacerbation self-management in patients with COPD.

Study design: A multicenter, pragmatic, two-arm, randomized controlled trial with a follow-up of 12 months per participant.

Study population: Patients with COPD, \> 40 years old, with 2 or more self-reported symptom based exacerbations in the previous year.

Intervention: After a short self-management educational session on exacerbations, participants are randomized to either 1) exacerbation self-management support through the use of a paper exacerbation action plan (control group); or 2) exacerbation self-management support through the use of the ACCESS system (intervention group).

Participants in the intervention group are instructed to use ACCESS when they notice a change in COPD symptoms. Participants in the control group are instructed to use their paper action plan when they notice a change in COPD symptoms.

Main study parameters/endpoints:

Primary aim: to increase the number of exacerbation-free weeks. Secondary aims: to improve exacerbation self-management, exacerbation-management related self-efficacy, and quality of life. To decrease ER visits, hospital admissions and COPD related costs.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* confirmed diagnosis of COPD by spirometry (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC \< 0.70);
* at least 2 self-reported exacerbations in the previous 12 months, i.e. a change for ≥ 2 consecutive days in either ≥ 2 major symptoms (dyspnea, sputum purulence, sputum amount) or any 1 major symptom plus any ≥ 1 minor symptoms (colds, wheeze, sore throat, cough).

Exclusion Criteria:

* severe co-morbid conditions that prohibit participation;
* unable to communicate in the Dutch language;
* difficulties using a smartphone;