Effects of a post-discharge COPD clinic on readmissions among veterans with COPD exacerbations

This poster presentation (online recording is available at the resource URL) summarizes the results of an effort at Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Hospital in Chicago, Illinois to reduce preventable readmissions. Researchers took a multi-disciplinary approach via outpatient clinic to reduce readmissions in a veteran COPD population. The month-long intervention included 1) a standardized post-discharge clinical evaluation, 2) optimization of medical therapy for COPD, 3) spirometry and oxygen evaluation, 4) literacy-appropriate health and medication education, 5) smoking cessation efforts, 6) referrals to pulmonary rehabilitation, social work and other follow up as needed, and 7) coordination with the patient's primary healthcare provider. The authors report a 5 percentage point decrease in readmissions rates for individuals attending at least one of their clinic appointments during the four-week intervention period.