'INSPIRED' COPD Outreach Program™: doing the right things right.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Significant gaps exist between the required and delivered care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• The INSPIRED COPD Outreach Program was developed to address these care deficits.
• The program aims to improve self-management and reduce healthcare utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the INSPIRED COPD Outreach Program in reducing facility-based care.
• To assess the program's impact on patient confidence and self-management skills.
• To explore the integration of evidence-based medicine and quality improvement in COPD care.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the multifaceted, evidence-based INSPIRED COPD Outreach Program.
• Ongoing evaluation of program outcomes.
• Focus on enhancing patient and family confidence in managing COPD at home.

Main Results:

• Sustained and substantial reduction in facility-based care compared to pre-program levels.
• Increased patient confidence in managing their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Program designated a leading practice by Accreditation Canada.

Conclusions:

• The INSPIRED COPD Outreach Program effectively bridges the gap between evidence and practice in COPD care.
• Integrating evidence-based medicine and quality improvement is crucial for sustained success.
• A pan-Canadian quality improvement initiative is supporting multidisciplinary teams to implement INSPIRED principles.