Shared decision-making and patient engagement program during acute exacerbation of COPD hospitalization: A randomized control trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a shared decision-making and patient engagement (SDM-PE) program concerning in-hospital stay during acute exacerbation of COPD and determine its impact on patients’ perceived health status. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to a control group that received standard treatment or an intervention group that received an individualized SDM-PE program in addition to standard treatment. The SDM-PE program included personalized health care focused on information about the disease, healthcare management, and reinforcement of behaviors regarding nutrition and exercise taking into account patients’ preferences. RESULTS: A comparative analysis between groups showed a significant improvement in perceived health status at discharge in patients included in the experimental group compared to those in the control group (60.28±21.65 vs. 54.13±22.69, p=0.036). In addition, perceived health status, COPD knowledge, adherence to pharmacological treatment, general functionality, and healthy lifestyle measures were significantly better at 3-month follow-up in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: An SDM-PE program significantly enhanced all the clinical measures assessed during hospitalization at 3-month follow-up. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: COPD patients and professionals need to work together to select the best care and treatment model for patients, taking into account individual values and preferences.