Home intervention for patients with COPD

Using home intervention for moderate-severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and co-morbidities by Pharmacists and Physicians: methods and baseline characteristics from a multicentre pilot randomised controlled trial

Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with increased emergency healthcare use, costs, and higher mortality rates in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Therapeutic management of moderate-severe COPD and comorbidities is suboptimal. NHS Pharmacists prescribe medicines but their collaborative interventions aiming to improve outcomes for patients, including those with COPD, are under researched.  

This project undertook a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) in Glasgow and West Lothian to assess whether recruitment; retention; intervention; data collection; resource use; clinical outcomes and patient/clinician perspectives support progress to a definitive RCT.  

People with moderate-severe COPD in Glasgow and West Lothian were recruited and randomised to Pharmacist home visits (monthly/bimonthly for 12 months, working with Respiratory Physicians, Practice Nurses, Specialist respiratory teams, General Practitioners, social care). Pharmacists assessed patients, prescribed and referred to health and social care. Comprehensive baseline data include demographics, medicines; comorbidities; frailty; Health Related Quality of Life; COPD Assessments; patient experience with treatment; and resource use.  

Funded by CSO. Working in collaboration with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian, University of Glasgow (Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences).