Table 1 Characteristics of the COPD patient sample

Females, (%)

5 (33%)

Age, mean(SD)

75.8 (9.0) years

FEV₁%

58.2 (15.2)%

COPD severity (GOLD criteria¹)

 Moderate

7 (47%)

 Severe

8 (53%)

Living arrangements

 Lives alone

7

 Lives with partner

6

 Lives with dependents (sole carer)

1

 Lives in aged care facility

1

Current smokers

3

Home oxygen in use

2

Previously seen by a respiratory physician

6

Use of home support services

No assistance other than spouse/relatives

9

 Domestic assistance

4

 Self-care assistance

2

Number of admissions for COPD last year, mean(SD)

2.5 (1.5)

Length of stay this admission, mean(SD)

6.7 (5.7) days

Acute hospital bed days in the last 3 years, median (25^th -75^th centile)

15 (7–27.5) days

Interventions during current admission

 COPD coordinator^*

9/15 patients

 Physiotherapist

12/15

 Occupational therapist

2/15

 Admission to intensive care unit^†

1/15

 New referral to respiratory physician

2/15