SPACE FOR COPD© delivered as a maintenance programme on Pulmonary Rehabilitation discharge: a randomised controlled trial evaluating the long-term effects on exercise tolerance and mental well-being. [FUNDER: NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Programme].

PROJECT FUNDER: NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Programme (£310,391)

Background:
Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is recommended in all national/ international guidelines as a key intervention for managing the physical and psychological consequences of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, the evidence suggests that any benefits decline by 6-months, and patients return to baseline by 12 months. Continuation of exercise training beyond supervised PR is recommended in the BTS PR guidelines. There is a need to assess the value of a supported self-management programme in maintaining PR benefits longer-term.

Description:
The aim of the SPACE FOR COPD maintenance study is to assess whether a self-management maintenance programme, delivered on PR discharge, preserves the (anticipated) gains made in exercise tolerance and mental well-being at 12-months, compared to usual care alone.

Eligible patients with COPD will be randomly allocated to either the SPACE FOR COPD maintenance programme to support behaviour change or to standard care for 12-months. Those randomised to the self-management programme will be introduced to the SPACE manual and motivational interviewing by a health professional. Those in the control group will receive usual care. Data to be collected will include: exercise capacity, mood, quality of life and resource use. Interviews will also be carried out with patients and staff.
A total of 116 patients will be recruited from two acute hospital sites (Glenfield Hospital, Leicester and Harefield Hospital, London).