A novel clinical protocol aims to reduce unplanned hospital admissions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe asthma, particularly those with multiple comorbidities.

The initiative, detailed in BMJ Open Respiratory Research, highlights the role of indoor air quality (IAQ) as a potential trigger for acute events and integrates predictive modeling and digital health support for proactive care.

The protocol, which began in January 2024 and is running through December 2025, is based on four key strategies: management change, personalized interventions, advanced digital support, and comprehensive assessment. It seeks to define and implement an integrated care preventive service with components including:

• Enhanced lung function testing using oscillometry
• Continuous IAQ monitoring for early detection of environmental triggers
• Adaptive case management for real-time care adjustments
• Predictive modeling to identify early signs of exacerbations.

The Quintuple Aim approach was used to assess outcomes, including health equity, patient experience, care team well-being, and cost-effectiveness. Implementation followed sequential 6-month plan-do-study-act cycles involving patients, health professionals, managers, and digital experts.

“Each cycle involves a targeted cocreation process following a mixed-methods approach,” explained researchers.

Though the research is ongoing, "... its findings could advance clinical practice by providing evidence for scalable, patient-centered interventions and inform policies promoting sustainable and equitable healthcare strategies for multimorbid populations," concluded the authors.

No conflict of interests was mentioned in the study.