Operating a sustainable disease management program for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
BACKGROUND
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of our nation's most rapidly growing chronic health conditions. It is estimated that over 16 million individuals are diagnosed with COPD (Friedman & Hilleman, 2001). In addition, another 16 million are misdiagnosed as asthma or not diagnosed at all. COPD is a condition that affects the working-age as well as the elderly. Despite the high mortality rate, COPD is a treatable and modifiable condition. Disease management programs (DMPs) for asthma are a common initiative within many health insurance plans and integrated delivery networks. Similar initiatives are not as common for COPD. This article will highlight the National Jewish Medical and Research Center's COPD DMP interventions and outcomes.


OBJECTIVE
To outline interventions and operational strategies critical in developing and operating a sustainable and effective disease management program for COPD.


CONCLUSIONS
Disease Management is an effective model for managing individuals with COPD. Applying a case management model that includes (1) risk-identification and stratification; (2) education and empowerment regarding self-monitoring and management; (3) lifestyle modification; (4) communication and collaboration amongst patients, healthcare providers, and case managers to enhance the treatment plan; (5) providing after-hours support; and (6) monitoring care outcomes is crucial. Applying these interventions in a credible manner will improve the quality of life and quality of care delivered to individuals with mild, moderate, severe, and very severe COPD. Additionally, these interventions can significantly reduce utilization events.
Endicott
Linda
L
Disease-Specific Care Management Program, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
Corsello
Phillip
P
Prinzi
Michele
M
Tinkelman
David G
DG
Schwartz
Abby
A
D000368:Aged; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003120:Colorado / Q000453:epidemiology; D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D017146:Models, Organizational; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation; D011209:Power, Psychological; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index