respiratory emergency

Ottawa COPD Risk Scale

Estimates the risk of a short-term serious adverse event (death, intubation, admission to a monitored unit, or return to the ED needing admission) in ED patients with an exacerbation of COPD. The authors suggest admission at a score of 2 or more.

Used in: COPD

Score interpretation

Low Risk (Score 0) 0

Score 0: serious adverse event risk 2.2% (Stiell 2014).

→ Discharge may be considered with close follow-up, adequate medication supply and education.

Low-Moderate Risk (Score 1) 1

Score 1: serious adverse event risk 4.0% (Stiell 2014).

→ Reassess after ED treatment; discharge only with early follow-up and a safety-net plan.

High Risk (Score ≥ 2) 2–16

Score ≥ 2: serious adverse event risk 7.2% or more, rising to 91.4% at a score of 10 (Stiell 2014).

→ Admission suggested by the authors at a score of 2 or more; senior review, consider HDU / NIV if indicated.

Interpretation bands for the Ottawa COPD. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Stiell IG, et al. Clinical characteristics associated with adverse events in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective cohort study. CMAJ. 2014;186(6):E193–E204.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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