Table 1 Summary of the protocol for the systematic literature review
Criteria | Inclusion criteria |
|---|---|
Objective and research question | • To identify the evidence related to COPD exacerbations, including literature on risk factors and predictors of exacerbations |
Studies to include | |
 Study design | • All studies providing data on risk of exacerbations, including clinical trials and real-world observational studies • Published in peer-reviewed journals |
 Population | • Age: ≥ 40 years • Sex: any • Race: any • Disease: COPD • Sample size: ≥ 100 • Exacerbation type: moderate or severe |
 Interventions | • No restriction |
 Comparators | • No restriction |
 Language | • English |
 Publication time frame | • January 2015–July 2019 |
Data sources | |
 Databases | • Embase • MEDLINE • MEDLINE In-Process • Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) |
 Other | • Bibliographic searching using relevant systematic literature reviews |