Does ensuring people go home from hospital on the right inhalers after an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reduce the risk of being re-admitted to hospital?

The primary aim of this study is to establish the feasibility of a future definitive trial; as such the feasibility outcomes are to measure:
1. The proportion of patients prescribed incorrect inhaled medicine, according to NICE guidance, assessed by review of the prescription chart and admission documentation prior to discharge
2. The proportion of patients with critical inhaler device errors, assessed by direct observation of technique prior to discharge
3. The proportion of patients with insufficient peak inspiratory flow rate for their current device, assessed using the In-Check device prior to discharge
4. The proportion of patients willing to have inhalers changed where a change is indicated, assessed by asking the patient prior to discharge
5. Of those eligible for an inhaler change, the proportion of patients in which the change is made and if not why not, by assessing the discharge prescription and interview with clinicians at the point of discharge
6. Of those who had an inhaler change, the continuation of that change in the community assessed by patient interview at 30 and 90 days
7. Patient perception of inhaled medication assessed using the Feeling of Satisfaction with Inhaler (FSI-10) questionnaire prior to discharge and at 30- and 90 days
8. Loss to follow-up at 30 and 90 days
9. Challenges in data collection assessed by interviews with clinicians using the tool throughout the study period
10. The time taken to collect the data and deliver the inhaler selection tool, assessed by timing use of the tool at the point of use
11. The first language distribution of patients with COPD at the three sites, to understand the need for translation of trial materials, assessed by interviews with patients prior to discharge

In addition, to inform the power calculation for a definitive study, the researchers will assess:
1. The mortality rate at 30 and 90 days, by review of electronic patient records
2. The all-cause re-admission rate at 30 and 90 days, by patient interview

3. The acceptability of the intervention is assessed using qualitative interviews. Then, based on input from trial participants and clinicians, the researchers will further refine and develop the inhaler selection tool. These interviews will be conducted after discharge.