Effect of telehealthcare on exacerbations and hospital admissions in COPD: A randomised controlled trial

Objective: To investigate the effect of TM with the option of video consultations on exacerbations and hospital admissions in patients with severe COPD. Material and Methods: Of 560 eligible patients identified, 279 (50%) declined to participate. The remaining patients (mean age 69 yrs) were equally randomised to either TM as add-on to usual care (n=141) or usual care (n=140) for the 6-month study period. TM comprised recording of symptoms, saturation, spirometry and weekly video consultations. Algorithms generated alerts if readings breached thresholds. The primary outcome was number of hospital admissions for exacerbation of COPD. Results: Most of the enrolled patients had severe COPD, (FEV 1 Conclusion: Our study of patients with severe COPD showed that TM including video consultations as add-on to standard care did not reduce hospital admissions for COPD, but TM may be an alternative to visits at respiratory outpatient clinics. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal role of TM in the management of COPD.