Improving participation in pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD patients through peer support and storytelling

Improving Participation in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Through Peer Support and Storytelling

Not applicable Interventional Baystate Medical Center · NCT05399056

This study is testing whether talking to a peer coach or watching videos of others sharing their COPD stories can help patients join and stick with pulmonary rehabilitation after a flare-up.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment305 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBaystate Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Springfield, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05399056 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to enhance participation in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by comparing two innovative strategies: telephonic peer coaching and storytelling through video narratives. The peer coaching involves pairing patients with trained individuals who have successfully completed PR, while the storytelling approach shares experiences of overcoming challenges related to COPD. Both interventions will be evaluated against enhanced usual care to determine their effectiveness in increasing patient engagement in PR after an exacerbation. The study targets patients who have recently experienced a COPD exacerbation and have been referred for PR.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 40 and older who have recently received treatment for a COPD exacerbation and have been referred for pulmonary rehabilitation.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently enrolled in or have completed 12 or more sessions of pulmonary rehabilitation, or those receiving comfort measures or hospice care, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly increase participation in pulmonary rehabilitation, leading to improved quality of life and reduced healthcare utilization for COPD patients.

How similar studies have performed: There is a growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of peer support and storytelling interventions in chronic disease management, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 40 years or older
* Received treatment for COPD exacerbation in either inpatient or outpatient setting
* Referred for pulmonary rehabilitation
* Ability to understand and communicate in English
* Willingness to participate in calls with peer coach and to view storytelling videos
* Working phone

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unwilling to attend PR
* Not eligible for PR based on spirometry or other clinical contraindications as determined by PR staff
* Currently enrolled in, or completion of 12 or more sessions of PR in the past
* Comfort measures only or Hospice care
* Resident of long-term care facility
* Unable or unwilling to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Springfield, Massachusetts

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 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseCOPDPulmonary rehabilitationStorytellingPeer coachingmotivational interviewingBehavioral interventionschronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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.