Coping Skills Training for Emotional Support in COPD Patients

Supporting Evidence-based Responses to Emotional Needs in Emphysema

Not applicable Interventional University of Pennsylvania · NCT06600126

This study is testing a Coping Skills Training program to see if it can help people with COPD feel less depressed and anxious compared to a shorter education program.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment750 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Detroit, Michigan and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06600126 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Coping Skills Training program designed to reduce depression and anxiety in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study will compare the Coping Skills Training program, which consists of weekly 30-minute sessions over 12 weeks, to a COPD Education program with shorter sessions. Researchers will explore how the training impacts stress and anxiety levels, identify factors influencing its effectiveness, and assess barriers to participation. The trial emphasizes the importance of integrating family caregivers into the care process to enhance patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a documented diagnosis of COPD and a baseline depression score indicating need for intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment or those who have not been informed of their COPD diagnosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for COPD patients, particularly those facing health disparities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that non-pharmacological interventions can effectively address psychological distress in COPD patients, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients

* Be at least 18 years of age
* Have a documented diagnosis of COPD and confirmation of obstructive lung disease by spirometry (American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines) or radiology (imaging report indicating emphysematous changes)
* Score greater than or equal to 8 during baseline screening using the PHQ-8
* Identify an adult caregiver to participate with them
* Have the ability to access a telephone or videoconferencing call up to once weekly (for approximately 30 minutes) for 12 sessions of the study intervention
* Spoken proficiency in Spanish and/or English

Caregivers

* Be at least 18 years of age
* Have the ability to access a telephone or videoconferencing call up to once weekly (for approximately 30 minutes) for 12 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients

* Has significant dementia or cognitive impairment
* Documentation in the EHR that the COPD diagnosis has not yet been disclosed to the patient
* Is under the ongoing care of a licensed behavioral health clinician
* Requires immediate referral to specialized behavioral health management

Caregivers

* Has significant dementia or cognitive impairment

Where this trial is running

Detroit, Michigan and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions COPDPulmonary DiseaseCoping SkillsPsychological DistressMixed Methods
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.