Winter is Coming - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Management

Western NSW Local Health District

Background: The ACI audit from May-August 2016 demonstrated areas of COPD management which may be addressed through a patient-centred collaborative approach to healthcare.

Aim: Optimise the management of patients with a primary diagnosis of a COPD exacerbation admitted on the medical ward between June 1st–August 15th 2018.

Method: A multidisciplinary team was established to focus on smoking cessation, inhaler assessment/education, antimicrobial stewardship and the provision of a patient friendly discharge medication list. Results were retrospectively audited.

Results: In comparison to ACI data;

64% of smokers were offered cessation support compared to 40%,
70% of patients had inhaler technique assessed/education compared to 7.5%. Of these patients, 62.5% had their inhaler regimen altered to optimise management,
70% of patients required antimicrobial intervention(s) and
96% of patients were reviewed by a pharmacist compared to 65%.

Conclusion: Engaging patients in risk factor modification and medication management improved COPD outcome measures compared to baseline