[Assisted home care of patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Earlier discharge to treatment, monitoring and care at home led by a respiratory nurse].
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of hospitalisation in Danish adults, and admission rates are expected to increase in the future. Assisted home care with disease monitoring and treatment by a pulmonary nurse may reduce time spent at hospital and the economic burden of COPD. In order to evaluate various types of assisted home care, the selection of patients, feasibility, effect, safety, and cost-effectiveness, the literature was reviewed. Most information is available on assisted home care following a hospital-based assessment and led by a respiratory nurse. According to the literature, assisted home care is a well tolerated, safe, and economic alternative to hospital admission for about 25-30% of the patients referred to hospital due to exacerbation of COPD. We recommend that assisted home care is tested in Denmark.
Ringbaek
Thomas Jørgen
TJ
H:S Hvidovre Hospital, Lungemedicinsk Klinik. ringbaek@dadlnet.dk
Eriksen
Nanna
N
Vestbo
Jørgen
J
D000328:Adult; D018575:Home Care Services, Hospital-Based / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010351:Patient Discharge; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D012449:Safety; D000078329:Workforce