A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine Outcome and Cost Effectiveness of Case Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients

"Patients, who are randomized to the intervention group, will receive case management from a trained and experienced nurse. The case manager will carry out following tasks:~* Formulation and implementation of care plans together with the patient~* Monitoring of individual status and care plan effectuation~* Overall coordination between health care providers~* Support to the patient and their caregivers during times of transition related to health status and environmental changes (e.g. hospital to home)~* Regular telephone consultations and home visits~* Promote disease-self management through coaching"