Evaluation of the Paramedic Evaluation for Acute COPD Exacerbation
Evaluation of the Paramedic Evaluation for Acute COPD Exacerbation (PEACE) Intervention
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of COPD 2. At least one COPD exacerbation resulting in ED utilization in the six months prior to enrollment 3. COPD GOLD Score letter designation of B, C, or D 4. Receives care in the UMass Memorial Medical Center Pulmonary Clinic or Benedict Family Health Clinic 5. Over 18 years of age 6. Speaks English 7. Resides in the geographical catchment area allowed by the UMass Memorial Medical Center MIH Program's license Exclusion Criteria: 1. No prior diagnosis of COPD 2. Under 18 years of age 3. Does not speak English 4. Pregnancy 5. Cannot provide informed consent
About the study
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.
What is being tested
- Paramedic Evaluation for acute COPD Exacerbation (procedure)
Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester · Participants: 50 · Started: Oct 1, 2025
Contact the study team
- Laurel O'Connor, MD, MSc · Phone: 508-421-1400
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07072039
Locations in the U.S.
| Massachusetts | University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 2, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.