The Advanced eHealth for COPD in Colorado Program at University of Colorado Hospital

These devices help patients monitor

their COPD from home, reduce costs

and improve the quality of their lives.

COPD patients can monitor their health at home, while still having the security of professional help nearby.

It’s called The Advanced eHealth for COPD in Colorado Program. University of Colorado Hospital is one of three organizations offering this innovative program to COPD (or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients.

The Advanced eHealth for COPD in Colorado Program: Caring For Yourself, With Help

Press of a button. With it, patients manage their COPD with an electronic communication device connected directly to the hospital, a pulse oximeter, a hand-held spirometer for exhaled breath monitoring and a pedometer. By telephone and Internet, 400 participants report their self-monitored information on a daily basis (Monday-Friday) with the press of a button.

Coordinators at UCH (and Kaiser Permanente, which also offers the program) monitor the results via secure, encrypted Internet connections. They contact any participant whose results are in a questionable range, and determine what additional care or visits may be needed (e.g., a call from the physician, a prescription adjustment, a clinic visit, a chest X-ray, etc.). Coordinators will facilitate the care through the referring physician offices. 

They can also send patients educational information about COPD via the devices.

  • Participants use the equipment the duration of the program, which goes through June, 2008.
  • The Advanced eHealth for COPD in Colorado Program is sponsored by the Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, and Pulmonary Disease Grants Program, at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and The University of Colorado Hospital.
  • Based on a pilot study previously conducted at University of Colorado Hospital. Its goals are to improve participants’ quality of life and reduce health care costs.

Information: Patricia Koff at (720) 848-7095. Patricia.Koff@uch.edu

The Advanced eHealth for COPD in Colorado Program: Information for Health Care Providers

The Advanced eHealth for COPD in Colorado Program is sponsored by the Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease and Pulmonary Disease Grants Program, at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the University of Colorado Hospital.

In most cases, a referral from your primary care physician will be needed.

Additional information for health care providers

Who is Eligible for The Advanced eHealth for COPD in Colorado Program

You are eligible to participate if you have severe COPD, as indicated by pulmonary function tests (breathing tests).

You also will be eligible for the eHealth Program if you have had a COPD exacerbation that requires contact with your doctor, an ER visit or hospitalization within the last year.

Both treatment participants (who use the equipment at home) and evaluation-control participants (who continue their routine care) are needed for this initiative.

Referral Form