Study of an AI-Enabled COPD Identification and Referral Tool to Improve Follow Up and Outcomes After Acute Exacerbations

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the impact of an AI-enabled clinical workflow tool called Viz COPD on patient follow-up and health outcomes after an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. This observational study includes patients aged 40 years and older who experience moderate or severe COPD flare-ups requiring emergency department visits or hospitalization. The study collects data both prospectively and retrospectively to compare standard care with care after the tools implementation. The study has three groups an experimental cohort of patients seen after the digital health tool was introduced, a control cohort of patients treated before the tool was used, and an exploratory cohort of patients reassessed for specialist follow-up after the tools implementation. The tool aims to improve referrals to respiratory specialists and monitor treatment consistent with COPD guidelines. Treatment follows usual care, with no investigational drugs or procedures. Participants will be tracked for follow-up visits with respiratory specialists within 30 and 90 days after discharge, and for up to one year in some measures. Researchers will assess rates of readmission, COPD exacerbations, healthcare use, cardiovascular events, and mortality for up to one year after the acute exacerbation. The main focus is on whether the AI tool improves timely specialist follow-up and patient outcomes after a serious COPD episode.

COPD Exacerbation Follow Up