Research Module 3.1 Medical Vulnerability

General
Aim of research module 3.1 "Medical vulnerability" is the search and identification of bioclimatological-medical parameters (vital signs) referring to an increased vulnerability (sensitivity and exposure) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to heat stress and heat-related disease exacerbation. The project is focused on heat stress of COPD-patients at home as well as in hospital. Therefore relations between heat stress and emergency room visits on the one hand and duration of hospital admission otherwise will be analysed epidemiologically and by using a model patient's room with air-conditioning.

Research questions
The sub-project Research Module 3.1 "Medical vulnerability" aims at the identification of parameters (potential risk factors) referring to increased vulnerability of patients to heat stress and heat-related disease exacerbation at home and in hospital. The correlation of medical parameters reflecting disease status, i.e. blood pressure, lung function, vegetative tone, sleep quality and circadian sleep wake rhythm, pharmacotherapy with regional climate data shall assess the impact of heat stress on disease progression and heat tolerance in patients with chronic disease. Options for reducing heat-stress hazard to patients in hospitals and at home shall be developed.

Collaboration within Research Links (RL)

420b	Indoor heat stress in hospital, variation of indoor climate for patients

Collaboration within Research Cluster (RC)

520	Present-day heat-stress hazards, vulnerabilities and risks
530	Effectiveness of actions for reducing heat-stress risks