Question

In October 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expanded readmission penalties to include those patients admitted with an exacerbation of COPD. Patient education is a key component in preventing readmission.

Initial Discussion Post:

• What is a priority teaching intervention that the nurse must implement for these patients and how will it play a role in preventing readmission?
• Identify a member of the interprofessional team and a teaching point that they can contribute to the teaching plan.

Answer 1

COPD is termed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which is a progressive life endangering disease. To avoid hospital re-admission the center for Medicare and Medicaid has made penalties for this type of admission in less than 30days.

The priority teaching plan to be implemented by the nurse are as following

• Patient has to be sent to pulmonary rehabilitation within 30 days of discharge
• To be sent to smoking cessation program
• Use of COPD navigator to rule out problem earlier
• Use of digital diaries for symptoms tracking
• Digital transmission of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetre
• Should be encouraged to use portable spirometry
• Patient should be made aware of co morbid diseases
• Proper inhaler technique to be used
• Arrangement for out patient follow up
• Teach self management
• Avoid doing heavy exercise
• Take oxygen via nasal cannula not more than 1 to 2 litre

All this can improve patients quality of life,functional status and decrease exacerbation

Respiratory therapist is one interpersonal team member who can teach patient self management and when to contact a health care provider.