Telemedicine for Patients Suffering From COPD (Danish Telecare North Trial) (TCN)
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- diagnosed COPD by spirometry
- in treatment corresponding to GOLD-guidelines
- motivated for treatment of COPD
- COPD is the primary disease
- fixed residence and be affiliated to a general practitioner in North Denmark Region
- At least one of the following criteria should also be met: MRCm (modified) ≥ 2 or MRC ≥3, CAT ≥ 10, have had at least 2 exacerbations within the last 12 months
Exclusion Criteria:
- no phone line or GSM coverage
- unable to understand Danish sufficiently to complete study questionnaires
- have a cognitive impairment
Sites / Locations
- Aalborg University
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
No Intervention
Telemedicine
Usual care
A tablet (a Samsung GALAXY TAB 2 (10.1)) that holds information on handling COPD in general and software that automatically instructs the patient in handling COPD during exacerbations. The device can also collect and transmit relevant disease-specific data, which are indicative of their current state of health, via an attached Fingertip Pulse Oximeter (Nonin, Onyx II % SpO2), a Digital Blood Pressure Monitor (Model UA-767, plus BT-C) and a scale. The device can measure four vital signs, which are transferred wirelessly: blood pressure, pulse, blood oxygen saturation and weight. The tablet can be activated and give a sound, when it is time for taking measurements again.
In Denmark, usual practice for treating, monitoring and caring for patients with COPD are the responsibility of the patient's general practitioner (treatment and monitoring) and the municipalities (practical help and nursing care). COPD patients can make appointments with their general practitioner or practice nurse free of charge in order to get help in managing COPD. Community based care and practical help varies. As a rule community care comes at regular intervals based on a clinically based estimate of the patients' needs, but the personnel are not necessarily certified nurses and often not fully educated in COPD and definitely not on call