Impact of Implementing a COPD Discharge Care Bundle on Adult COPD Patients’ Outcomes

Background:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents 10% of annual emergency hospital admissions. Approximately 33% of patients experience readmission within 28 days of discharge, as the discharge care bundle influences COPD readmission rates, emergency department (ED) visits, mortality, costs, and the overall process of care. Aim: The objective of this study is to assess the effects of implementing a COPD discharge care bundle on the outcomes of adult COPD patients. Design: This research utilized a quasi-experimental design. Settings: The study was carried out in the chest department and outpatient clinics at Sohag University Hospital. Sample: A convenient sample of 100 adult COPD patients was selected from the designated settings. This included 50 patients in the non-bundle group to evaluate their discharge instructions. In contrast, 50 patients in the bundle group received guidance on the components of the bundle before discharge and were monitored through phone calls on the 30th, 60th, and 90th days post-discharge to assess readmission rates, outcomes, and adherence to the bundle. Tools for data collection: Tool 1: A structured interview questionnaire, which comprised two sections: Part 1: Patient demographic information and Part II: Clinical characteristics; and Tool II: COPD assessment test. Results: The findings of this study indicated that the implementation of the COPD discharge bundle ensured that all patients in the bundle group were educated on the following: (1) medication list, (2) follow-up schedule, (3) inhaler technique, (4) smoking cessation, and (5) pulmonary rehabilitation. Conversely, patients in the non-bundle group received instructions solely on medications and follow-up schedules, along with a varying number of instructions regarding other COPD interventions. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the readmission rates at the 30-day follow-up. Those who received the COPD discharge bundle exhibited a greater likelihood of avoiding readmission within 30 days, as indicated by relative risk. Conclusion: Implementing a COPD discharge care bundle has a positive effect on adult COPD patients’ outcomes. Recommendations: It is recommended to use a COPD discharge bundle in a hospital setting to ensure that all patients will have uniform instructions on interventions that can decrease the number of readmissions, especially after 30 days.