A randomised trial of telemedicine-based treatment versus conventional hospitalisation in patients with severe COPD and exacerbation – effect on self-reported outcome.
Source: Schou et al. 2013 - Pubmed ID: 23612519
Setting: Denmark, 2 University hospitals
RCT-pro
Follow up: 3 months after discharge from hospital or virtual admission
Sample size:
Total: 44 (40)
IG: 22 (21)
CG: 22 (19)
Inclusion criteria:
- Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Exacerbation
Home monitoring
- Touch screen with an embedded video-conference system
- Spirometer
- Pulse oximeter
- Thermometer
Intervention: Home telemedicine-based treatment’s effect on self-reported outcome. Patients are hospitalized in the Virtual Hospital and have 1-4 contacts/day, mean duration 19 min). Virtual ward rounds included medical treatment and implied measurements of vital signs, evaluation of medication plan and symptom management
Duration: 3 months
Add on: NA
Control group: Usual care
Clinical effect:
- HR QoL (health impairment (SGRQ))→
- Daily activity (IADL)→
- Anxiety and depression (HADS)→
- Cognitive decline (SCF)→
Patient safety: NA
Patient experience:
- 80% for the SGRQ and 94% for the remaining three questionnaires
Staff experience: NA
Investment:
Equipment
- Touch screen with an embedded video-conference system
- Spirometer
- Pulse oximeter
- Thermometer
Running:
- Training patients in using the telemedical and medical equipment
- Installing equipment in the homes
- Standard medication used for exacerbations in the homes
- Call centre, organised by the hospital and manned by experienced nurses and doctors
Organization: NA
Health care utilization: NA