To summarise, self-management and self-treatment in
patients with comorbidities will be directed towards enabling early recognition of COPD exacerbations as well as flare-ups of comorbidities, and therefore a more rapid start of the correct treatment in order to reduce the severity of both the COPD exacerbation and/or flare-up of comorbidities. Earlier intervention has the potential not only to reduce the severity and duration of exacerbations and COPD-related hospitalisations, but also to reduce all cause hospitalisations, with consequent reduction in costs. Moreover, better management of exacerbations is likely to improve patients' health status, morbidity and mortality in the medium to long term. This randomised controlled trial will identify if a self treatment strategy as part of a self-management program makes action plans sufficiently applicable, effective and safe to use in patients with COPD and severe comorbidities.