title: How to reduce hospital readmissions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article examines factors associated with readmission for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interventions that may decrease readmissions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature on this topic is relatively sparse. Drug therapy revolves around appropriate use of bronchodilators, antibiotics, and steroids. Patient education and participation and a multidisciplinary approach to the transition out of hospital can lead to decreased rehospitalizations. Patients who cannot participate in self-care may do better in skilled nursing facilities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We must optimize in-hospital care and see that patients receive a continuum of care upon discharge. We must also recognize that some patients have received optimal care and yet continue to suffer with end-stage disease on an ongoing basis; palliative medications such as long-acting narcotics and end-of-life discussions need to be considered in patients unable to survive for long outside of hospital.
authors.affiliation: aPulmonary and Critical Care Division, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences bCentral Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
authors.forename: Deepa
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Raghavan
authors.forename: Thaddeus
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bartter
authors.forename: Manish
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Joshi
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010359:Patient Readmission; D024382:Professional Role; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care