A COPD self management programme reduced hospital use and improved health status

摘要

191 patients > 50 years of age (mean age 70 y, 55% men) who had stable COPD (respiratory symptoms and medication unchanged for > 4 wks); were current or previous smokers; had an FEV_1 25-70% of predicted and an FEV_1 forced vital capacity ratio < 70%; no previous asthma, left congestive heart failure, terminal disease, dementia, or uncontrolled psychiatric illness; had not been in a respiratory rehabilitation programme in the previous year; and had no long term care facility stays. 86% of patients completed the 12 month assessment.