Paramedic home visits for sudden COPD flare-ups (PEACE)
Evaluation of the Paramedic Evaluation for Acute COPD Exacerbation (PEACE) Intervention
This program will try sending community paramedics, guided by remote physicians, to treat adults with COPD at home during sudden flare-ups to reduce emergency visits.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT07072039 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The PEACE intervention dispatches community paramedics to patients' homes during acute COPD exacerbations to perform focused clinical evaluations, point-of-care testing, and initial treatments under the supervision of a centralized physician. The program is integrated with patients' outpatient teams at UMass-affiliated clinics and targets individuals with recent ED utilization and GOLD B–D severity. The study will implement and iteratively refine the MIH protocol within the UMass Memorial catchment while tracking clinical outcomes, healthcare utilization, and feasibility metrics. Results will compare acute care use and recovery patterns following home-based paramedic care versus usual care pathways.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with a documented COPD diagnosis, GOLD B–D severity, at least one ED visit for COPD in the prior six months, who receive care at the UMass Memorial Pulmonary Clinic or Benedict Family Health Clinic and live within the MIH program's licensed area.
Not a fit: People under 18, pregnant individuals, those who cannot provide informed consent, non-English speakers, those without a prior COPD diagnosis, or those living outside the MIH catchment area are not eligible and would not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PEACE could reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations, speed recovery, and lower acute care costs by delivering timely treatment at home.
How similar studies have performed: Related MIH and community paramedicine programs have reduced EMS use and improved patient satisfaction in other populations, but this specific COPD-focused PEACE approach has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Worcester, Massachusetts
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School — Worcester, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laurel O'Connor, MD, MSc — University of Massachusetts, Worcester
- Study coordinator: Laurel O'Connor, MD, MSc
- Email: laurel.oconnor@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 508-421-1400
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.