Work

National audit of supported discharge programmes for management of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2008

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: The 2008 U.K. national chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) audit examined the use of supported discharge programmes (SDPs) in clinical practice against British Thoracic Society guidelines. 98% of acute U.K. trusts participated. SDPs were available in 142 of 239 (59%) units. 1630 of 8971 (18%) patients with COPD were treated within SDPs. Median (IQR) stay in hospital for patients within SDPs and those not accepted for SDPs was 3 (1-6) days and 6 (3-11) days (p<0.001), and mortality within 90 days of admission was 4.3% and 6.7%, respectively. SDPs within the U.K. are safe and effective and reduce length of hospital stay without adverse effects on mortality.

Source: Thorax

DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2011-200884

Authors: Jack A Kastelik, Derek Lowe, Robert A Stone, Rhona J Buckingham, C Michael Roberts