Nurse-Led Palliative Care for COPD
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve the quality of life for older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who often have unmet palliative care needs. It tests a treatment called EPIC, which involves nurse-led coaching over the phone to help patients manage their condition better. Participants will continue their usual COPD care, but some will also receive this additional support to determine if it aids daily life and reduces healthcare visits. Ideal candidates are those over 60 with COPD who experience severe breathlessness or use supplemental oxygen. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for patients to contribute to research that could enhance COPD care and support.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
What prior data suggests that the EPIC intervention is safe for older adults with COPD?
Research shows that the EPIC program is designed to be safe and easy to manage. In past studies, similar nurse-led care models have improved the quality of life and mood for patients with serious illnesses like cancer. These models have been tested for many years, proving their safety for patients.
While specific evidence about side effects from EPIC is not yet available, the methods it uses have been carefully tested for other diseases. Since EPIC doesn't involve medication and focuses on phone coaching by trained nurses, it likely poses very low risk. The main goal is to determine if participants find the sessions helpful and easy to understand, rather than focusing on physical side effects.
Overall, although specific data on side effects is not yet available, the EPIC program is based on proven methods considered safe for similar patient groups.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about EPIC for COPD because it adds a personalized, nurse-led palliative care approach to the usual treatment for COPD. While standard care mainly focuses on managing symptoms with medications like bronchodilators and steroids, EPIC emphasizes holistic support, addressing physical, emotional, and social needs. This approach could greatly improve quality of life and provide more comprehensive care for those living with COPD.
What evidence suggests that the EPIC intervention is effective for COPD?
Research has shown that starting palliative care early, as in the EPIC program, can improve life for people with COPD. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will receive the EPIC program alongside usual COPD care. Studies have found that care led by specialists and nurses helps those with serious illnesses feel better and reduces their need for medical services. Data from the EPIC project indicate that this approach is practical and well-received by people with COPD and their caregivers. Early palliative care also makes daily life easier and more manageable. While the EPIC program is still being tested, it uses proven palliative care methods that have been successful for patients with other serious conditions.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults over 60 with moderate to very severe COPD, confirmed by spirometry tests. Participants must speak English and have a care partner willing to join the study. They should experience severe breathlessness or have had a hospitalization in the past year but not within the last 30 days, or be on supplemental oxygen. People with recent hospitalizations, certain cognitive impairments, advanced cancers, active major psychiatric disorders or substance abuse issues, other primary lung diseases, or non-correctable hearing impairment cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Palliative care-trained nurse coaches deliver the Charting Your Course Curriculum over the phone to patients (six sessions) and their care partners (four sessions), with activities and monthly telephone follow-up
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- EPIC
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator