What do patients need when discharged after a COPD exacerbation?

Aim

To identify patient needs following discharge from hospital after an exacerbation of COPD.

Methods

Qualitative and semi-quantitative study using home-based structured interviews and focus groups involving 25 COPD patients after hospital discharge. Interviews were performed seven days and three months post-discharge. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and were triangulated with the qualitative data from interviews and the focus groups. Results: There were high levels of depression (64%) and anxiety (40%). Feelings of anxiety after discharge were associated with the fear of another “attack” and with uncertainties about social and medical care provision, especially the provision of oxygen.

Conclusions

Interventions to reduce readmission for COPD exacerbations need to consider the psychosocial as well as the medical needs of patients. There appears to be a need for improved hospital discharge procedures and community follow-up-including the provision of pulmonary rehabilitation and encouragement of self-management strategies.

Reproduced with the permission of the General Practice Airways Group