Date of Award
7-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations cause a significant economic and social burden by increasing hospital readmissions and contributing to untimely death.
Problem: COPD “care bundles” consist of hospital-specific education and interventions aimed at decreasing the incidence of COPD exacerbation and subsequent readmission. The effective use of care bundles empowers patients to take ownership of their disease and seek early intervention with signs of worsening symptoms. Unfortunately, implementation of COPD care bundles is inconsistent and contributes to preventable, costly sequela.
Methods: A thorough literature review found evidence supporting the use of a COPD care bundle to decrease 30-day readmission rates. This quality improvement project provided education and support for the standardized implementation of a preexisting COPD care bundle to COPD patients on three medical surgical units at St. Luke’s Hospital in Monroe, PA.
Intervention: The aim of this project was to standardize the implementation of a preexisting, evidence-based COPD care bundle with the goal of decreasing 30-day readmission rates and improving health outcomes. Registered nurses (RNs) were educated on the importance of consistent care bundle implementation. Standardized in-patient COPD education were initiated and documented prior to patient discharge. Post-discharge follow-up phone calls were completed within 72 hours of each patient's discharge.
Results: More than half of the patients (n = 24) received at least one or more components of the COPD care bundle, resulting in a 3.2% readmission rate compared to 23.8% in the comparison group.
Conclusion: Providing consistent COPD care bundle education and follow-up is an effective way to promote wellness and decrease exacerbations leading to reduction in 30-day readmission rates.
Recommended Citation
Mupereri, Petronellah, "COPD Care Bundle Implementation and Readmission Rates" (2022). Nursing (graduate) Student Scholarship. 38.
https://mosaic.messiah.edu/grnurse_st/38
