COPD Flare-Up Clinic After Severe Exacerbations

This prospective randomized controlled trial evaluates whether a specialized "COPD flare-up clinic service" improves outcomes in patients following an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Patients presenting to the emergency department with AECOPD and discharged or hospitalized will be randomized 1:1 to either structured follow-up in a dedicated flare-up clinic or standard follow-up by scheduled telephone interviews. The researches hypothesize that structured follow-up in a specialized clinic will reduce recurrent exacerbations, optimize long-term COPD management, and improve patients' quality of life compared to standard care.

Inclusion Criteria: * Prior COPD diagnosis based on clinical and spirometry accepted criteria. * Acute exacerbation of COPD as the main reason for ED arrival. * Ability to perform in-person and telephone follow-up. * Agree to participate, with a signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Symptomatic heart failure as the main reason for emergency department visit in the last 6 months. * Uncontrolled comorbidity. * Vulnerable Populations: To ensure ethical compliance and participant safety, the study will exclude vulnerable populations. This includes pregnant women, and any person lacking the mental or legal capacity to provide independent informed consent.