Telemonitoring and intermediate care

COPD is a progressive disease responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. In recent years, intermediate care has been developed by secondary and primary health professionals to provide a seamless approach to the delivery of intersectoral patient care. The intermediate model of care improves choice for patients and aims to reduce morbidity from COPD exacerbations through community-based interventions, such as hospital at home and early supported discharge schemes. Exacerbations of COPD have been linked with frequent emergency attendances, hospitalization, and a reduction in quality of life and lung function, and patients who experience an exacerbation may benefit from an intermediate model of care.