Four quasi-experimental studies (approximately 475 participants) were included in the review: one non-randomised controlled trial (162 participants) and three pre-post test design studies (313 participants, where reported). Sample sizes in each study ranged from 50 to 178 participants, where reported.
There was a statistically significant reduction in length of stay in one study for in-hospital management of patients with COPD exacerbation, but three studies found no statistically significant differences between groups. There were also statistically significant improvements in mean anxiety score for participants of in-hospital management compared to usual care (one study).
There were no significant differences between groups for re-admission (two studies), but one study did report a statistically significant longer interval before readmission for the in-hospital management group compared to usual care.
There were no statistically significant differences between groups for in-hospital mortality (two studies), or complications (one study).
Other results were reported.