Reducing avoidable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease emergency presentations
Quick facts
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the second leading cause of avoidable hospital admissions. Anecdotal evidence indicates over-use of frontline resources (e.g. the Emergency Department), and potential gaps in outreach services (e.g. underutilised services).
This project is a unique collaboration between three non-metropolitan health services in South East Queensland (West Moreton, Darling Downs and Gold Coast).
It will inform referral treatment initiatives¡¯ implementation and evaluation (e.g., anxiety management, smoking cessation referral, and quality intra-professional care programs), based on identified causal factors.
¡°If we can find ways to tailor care for patients with COPD, this may reduce the need for emergency care, which will be better for patients.¡±
¡ªProf Gerben Keijzers