Pilot Study: Post-Recovery LibEration From Oxygen in Exacerbated COPD

The purpose of this pilot study is to test an intervention designed to decrease inappropriate oxygen use for patients with COPD. Participants will be randomized to usual care vs. an oxygen de-implementation intervention. Patients assigned to the oxygen de-implementation intervention group will have their active oxygen prescription discontinued, be educated on pursed lip breathing and receive inhaler training. A follow-up assessment will occur at 12 weeks. The primary outcome at 12 weeks will be discontinuation of oxygen. Secondary outcomes include health status as measured by the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), tele-six minute walk test (6MWT) distance, and Borg dyspnea scale assessed after the tele-6MWT. Among the intervention group, the investigators will also assess acceptability and feasibility of the intervention for patient participants and their providers. Recruitment was expected to begin in November 2021 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 Omicron outbreak. Recruitment officially began on April 18, 2022.