Paramedic home visits to treat sudden COPD flare-ups
Tests paramedic home visits for adults with moderate to severe COPD flare-ups.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Evaluation of the Paramedic Evaluation for Acute COPD Exacerbation
Key facts
- Where
- Worcester, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcester, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Massachusetts, Worcester
- Trial code
- NCT07072039
- Record updated
- 6 October 2026
- Original description
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious lung condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Each year, it leads to about 150,000 deaths, nearly 900,000 emergency room visits, and 700,000 hospital stays. When COPD symptoms suddenly get worse-called an exacerbation-it can seriously harm a person's quality of life and often requires emergency care. Treating these flare-ups early can help prevent hospital visits, but right now, there aren't many good ways to make sure people get care quickly.Read full original descriptionShow less
Evaluation of the Paramedic Evaluation for Acute COPD Exacerbation (PEACE) Intervention
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious lung condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Each year, it leads to about 150,000 deaths, nearly 900,000 emergency room visits, and 700,000 hospital stays. When COPD symptoms suddenly get worse-called an exacerbation-it can seriously harm a person's quality of life and often requires emergency care. Treating these flare-ups early can help prevent hospital visits, but right now, there aren't many good ways to make sure people get care quickly.
Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) programs send specially trained paramedics, guided remotely by doctors, to care for patients in their homes. This approach could help people with COPD get faster, more effective care without needing to go to the hospital.
In this project, the investigators are testing a new program called PEACE (Paramedic Evaluation for Acute COPD Exacerbation). The PEACE program sends community paramedics to patients' homes-when needed and in partnership with their regular doctors-to manage worsening COPD symptoms early. The study team will adapt the PEACE program to meet the needs of adults living at home with moderate to severe COPD, gather feedback from patients and healthcare providers, and run a small pilot study to see if the program is practical and helpful.
Inclusion: Diagnosis of COPD 4) Receives care in the UMass Memorial Medical Center System 5) 40 years of age or older 6) Speaks English 7) Resides in the geographical catchment area allowed by the UMass Memorial Medical Center MIH Program's license.
Exclusion: No prior diagnosis of COPD; Pregnancy; Cannot provide informed consent.