Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: AECOPD have been shown to be detrimental in progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2018 Report emphasizes the importance of structured and personalized self-management strategies, without pointing to specific interventions. Previous studies have suggested the potential benefit of AECOPD kits such that patients may be able to properly self-manage their exacerbation at home without seeking emergent medical attention. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy and safety of implementing AECOPD self-management kits, consisting of guaifenesin, a steroid, and an antibiotic, within the HBPC Veteran population.
Methods: This single-institution retrospective study will extract data from the computerized patient record system (CPRS) and will be maintained securely according to local protocol. The study will include Veterans Affairs patients within HBPC who are diagnosed with COPD, prescribed appropriate COPD maintenance medications based on disease grade for at least 3 months, and have had at least one hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visit for AECOPD within two years prior to implementation of the AECOPD self-management kit protocol. Palliative or hospice care patients will be excluded. The following data will be collected for included patients: age, sex, ethnicity, average oxygen saturation, number of ED visits and hospitalizations prior to protocol implementation, comorbidities including heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, and thromboembolic disease, and whether patients are up-to-date on guideline-recommended vaccinations. The primary outcome is the reduction of hospitalizations from the time of AECOPD kit implementation until one year after, or discharge from HBPC. The secondary endpoint is treatment failure by chart review (ED visits for AECOPD, escalation of therapy, appropriate utilization of AECOPD kit, and adherence to COPD maintenance regimen).
Results: not applicable
Conclusion: not applicable
Kimberly Murphy
– PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Roanoke, VA126 Views