COPD patients are most vulnerable in the days following hospital discharge. Read on to see how improving discharge planning can reduce costly COPD readmissions.
COPD patients are most vulnerable in the days following hospital discharge. Read on to see how improving discharge planning can reduce costly COPD readmissions.
About two-thirds of patients hospitalized following a COPD exacerbation are released to a home environment.”
The COPD Foundation
COPD Case Manager
Department of Respiratory Care at UC Davis Medical Center
Make it reflective of each patient’s
The first step to a truly effective discharge plan is to shift your thinking. Discharge is not an isolated event, but part of the entire continuum of care for the patient.”
Krystal Craddock, BSRC, RRT-NPS, AEC
COPD Case Manager, Department of Respiratory Care at UC Davis Medical Center
In an interview with the American Association of Respiratory Care, Krystal Craddock, BSRC, RRT-NPS, AEC, COPD Case Manager at the Department of Respiratory Care at UC Davis Medical Center describes Respiratory Therapists as the bedside clinical experts on pulmonary diseases, including COPD.
As the experts in COPD care, RTs are uniquely qualified to facilitate transitions in care—and play an invaluable role in discharge planning.
No other licensed clinician has more knowledge of COPD pathophysiology, medications, equipment, diagnostics, and treatments for than an RT.”
Krystal Craddock, BSRC, RRT-NPS, AEC
COPD Case Manager, Department of Respiratory Care at UC Davis Medical Center
RTs are invaluable for providing
Up-to-date knowledge of current:
According to the COPD Foundation, COPD-related exacerbations cause about 700,000 hospitalizations and 1.5 million emergency department visits per year. Another 3.8 million hospital stays include COPD as a secondary or complicating condition.5
While these add up to an astronomincal financial cost, there is a human cost as well. As we continue to learn about the psychosocial aspects of patients living with COPD, studies can help us better understand what patients need as they transition from one care setting to the other.
In one study, COPD patients shared their experiences while participating in their own care at discharge and in the following days at home. The study showed6
Including patients in their care increases adherence because you are tapping into what’s meaningful and attainable in the real-world management of their disease.”
Krystal Craddock, BSRC, RRT-NPS, AEC
COPD Case Manager, Department of Respiratory Care at UC Davis Medical Center
In addition to low readmission rates, we also have one of the lowest mortality rates—lower than 96% of hospitals in the US. We must be doing something right.”
Krystal Craddock, BSRC, RRT-NPS, AEC
COPD Case Manager, Department of Respiratory Care at UC Davis Medical Center
References
1. Mahler D. Risks After Hospital Discharge for COPD flare-up. http://www.donaldmahler.com/risks-after-hospital-discharge-for-copd-flare-up/. Accessed August 30, 2018.
2. CMS.gov Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/Value-Based-Programs/HRRP/Hospital-Readmission-Reduction-Program.html#main_content. Accessed August 30, 2018.
3. Blaha, Daniel, MSN; Vandenhouten, Christine, PhD, APHN-BC; Ramirez, Jolene, MS, MSN, RNC-OB, NE-C; Pomasl, Julie, MSN; Skarda, Hope, BSN, RN. Nursing Management.https://journals.lww.com/nursingmanagement/Fulltext/2018/01000/Post_hospitalization_management_of_patients_with.6.aspx. Accessed on August 30, 2018.
4. American Association of Respiratory Care. Advocacy/Federal Policies and the RT. http://www.aarc.org/advocacy/federal-policies-affecting-rts/discharge-planning/. Accessed August 30, 2018.
7. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17482631.2017.1371994. Accessed August 29, 2018.
8. Willard KS, Sullivan JB, Thomashow BM, et al. The 2nd National COPD Readmissions Summit and beyond: from theory to implementation. Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2016; 3(4): 778-790. https://journal.copdfoundation.org/jcopdf/id/1128/The-2nd-National-COPD-Readmissions-Summit-and-Beyond-From-Theory-to-Implementation. Accessed on August 29, 2018.
