Integrating COPD into Patient-Centered Hospital Readmissions Reduction Programs.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Health Services Research
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• High readmission rates for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations pose a significant burden.
• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services penalizes hospitals for excess 30-day readmissions for COPD exacerbations.
• There is a need for effective strategies to reduce hospital readmissions in COPD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current understanding and identify key recommendations for reducing hospital readmissions in patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbations.
• To convene multi-stakeholder input for developing actionable strategies.

Main Methods:

• Convened a National COPD Readmissions Summit in October 2013.
• Included over 225 participants: patients, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, industry, and payers.
• Synthesized recommendations from summit participants.

Main Results:

• Recommended programs should include patient and caregiver COPD self-management skills training.
• Care plans must adequately address co-existing conditions common in COPD patients.
• Evaluation of adverse events is crucial when implementing readmission reduction strategies.
• A strategy, such as a learning collaboratory, should connect groups developing and implementing readmission reduction programs.

Conclusions:

• Multi-faceted approaches are necessary to effectively reduce COPD readmissions.
• Enhanced patient self-management and integrated care for comorbidities are key.
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders are vital for successful implementation and sustained improvement.