[TELEMEdical moNiTORing for COPD patients (Telementor COPD): Study protocol of a multicentre, randomised, controlled...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Digital Health
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality in Europe, characterized by frequent exacerbations and hospitalizations.
• High rates of exacerbations and hospitalizations in COPD patients lead to significant healthcare costs and reduced quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a telemedicine intervention for early detection and prevention of COPD exacerbations.
• To reduce rehospitalization rates through optimized outpatient care using digital monitoring.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multicentre, randomized controlled trial (Telementor COPD) involving COPD patients with a history of exacerbations.
• Daily remote monitoring of symptoms (SaniQ app), lung function (FEV1), and vital signs (smartwatch) in the intervention group.
• Intervention included daily symptom recording, mobile spirometry, smartwatch data, and video consultations with healthcare professionals.

Main Results:

• The study aimed to assess the number of exacerbations as the primary endpoint.
• Secondary endpoints included COPD-associated hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and patient health status.
• The intervention group received daily monitoring and timely preventive interventions by trained COPD nurses based on recorded data.

Conclusions:

• Telementor COPD investigates the effectiveness of digital monitoring and telemedicine in managing high-risk COPD patients.
• The study seeks to establish a pathway for integrating telemedicine into routine COPD care to improve patient outcomes.
• Findings will inform the implementation of digital health solutions for preventing exacerbations and reducing healthcare burdens in COPD management.