Date of Award

1-1-2024

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Yale University School of Nursing

First Advisor

Joan Kearney

Second Advisor

Mary Ann Camilleri

Abstract

COPD is the third principal diagnosis accounting for 30-day all-cause readmission,14.4% of rehospitalization are due to acute exacerbation and occur within 3 days after discharge. Readmission exposes the patient to risks of medical errors and hospital-acquired infection. An interprofessional care program for COPD patients called “COPD C.A.R.E. (Control Avoidable REadmissions) Connect” was established within the medical surgical unit at this large national healthcare institution. The program utilized frontline expert collaboration to provide inpatient COPD-specific healthcare teachings, promote self-care, and ensure the timeliness of post-discharge care. The project aimed to adapt an interprofessional care service for hospitalized COPD inpatients to reduce all-cause 30-day readmission rates; implement and evaluate the service; and recommend scaling and sustainability of the service throughout the Large National Healthcare Institution’s neighboring state sites and beyond. Processes were delivered by registered nurses (RN) and respiratory therapists (RT). Readmission rates were compared pre & post-implementation to evaluate the program’s impact in achieving the primary outcome of 30-day COPD readmission rate reduction. The program promoted consistent and frequent COPD-related health education; enhanced self-care management; and auto-scheduled follow-up appointments to promote a decline in rates of readmissions.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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