Supported Rescue packs post-discharge in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An open-label multicentre randomised controlled trial

We have recently commenced recruiting participants into a trial funded by an NIHR HTA award of Professor Mona Bafadhel from Kings College London.

The study is being led at Nottingham by Professor Charlotte Bolton from the NIHR Nottingham BRC Respiratory Theme and University of Nottingham.

Rescue packs post-discharge in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (The RAPID study).

Why are we doing this study?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung condition that causes breathing difficulties. COPD occurs when the lungs become inflamed and damaged. People living with COPD are also prone to ‘exacerbations’ which are a worsening or flare up of symptoms, in many cases caused by a chest infection.

There are many treatments that can reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations, but none of these work completely. Earlier treatment with antibiotics and/or corticosteroids (a ‘rescue pack’) as an exacerbation starts can speed up recovery and lead to a reduced chance of needing hospital admissions. Rescue packs are sometimes provided as part a ‘Discharge Bundle’ – a package of care provided when someone goes home from hospital. However, rescue packs used in this way are not always effective unless provided alongside an education plan and this does not usually happen.

We are investigating whether rescue packs on discharge from hospital, in addition to a supported management plan, will reduce readmissions compared to usual care. The supported management plan includes twice weekly automated phone and/or text messaging for the first 90-days after discharge from hospital.