Can COPD Self-Care Management Programs Improve Outcomes?

The original article on which this summary is based has been retracted after irregularities in the data analysis were identified. After reanalysis of the data, the article has been republished, and the results now show no benefit (and possible harm) from the intervention.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are hospitalized frequently for exacerbations. To examine whether a COPD self-management plan could prevent hospitalizations and improve patient outcomes, researchers at a Baltimore hospital enrolled 240 patients admitted with COPD exacerbations or treated for COPD during a hospital stay. Patients were randomized to 3 months of transitional care with a self-management program or to usual care. The self-care program …