COPD Readmissions Prediction- ReCOPD Project

To develop predictive models for short-term readmission (60 days) and medium term (one year) for patients with an exacerbation of COPD (eCOPD) which are admitted to any of the participant hospitals. To identify factors contributing to readmission from the time of discharge from the index admission to the studied readmission time. Methodology. Design: Prospective cohort study with a nested case control study, with follow up to one year. Patients: 1500 patients admitted over a year and a half in any of the 9 participant hospitals by an eCOPD. Methods: During admission, background information on patient situation prior to admission, data of the ED during admission, and discharge planning, will be collected from medical history. The investigators will also survey patients (generic and specific health-related quality life -HRQoL- dependence, social support, presence of fragility). All patients will be followed to determining whether any readmission until 60 and up to one year of discharge from the index admission occurs. Patients readmitted at the first 60 days after discharge will be surveyed on a number of possible causes of readmission (continuity of care, medication, complications, individual and social factors). A one to one control group will be established to compare different factors studied in the case group (readmission). Statistical analysis: predictive models will be developed from the derivation sample, and validated in a validation sample. Also, the factors evaluated in the case-control study will be compared using appropriate test for paired samples.