Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomisation criteria
Inclusion criteria (checked on day 1) | Exclusion criteria (checked on day 1) |
|---|---|
Age ≥ 40 years | Major uncontrolled co morbidity |
Competent to give informed consent | Mental disability |
Diagnosed with COPD at least GOLD stage I and 10pack years of smoking | Living outside care region of the home care organisation |
Hospitalisation for COPD exacerbation | Inability to understand the program |
Indication for admission to intensive care unit or for non invasive ventilation | |
Active alcohol and/or drug abuse | |
Insufficient availability of informal care at home | |
Randomisation criteria (checked on day 3) | |
Completed Informed Consent on day three of admission | |
Acceptable general health: | |
- Decrease physical complaints | |
- Non dependency of therapies that cannot be given at home | |
- Being able to visit toilet independently | |
Normal or moderately increased blood sugar levels, defined as ≤15 mmol/L or ≥ 15 mmol/L but patient is capable to regulate blood sugar levels independently | |
Respiratory complaints of dyspnoea, wheezing and rhonchi must have decreased in comparison with day of admission. |