What are the needs of patients following discharge from hospital after an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Langley-Johnson, Carol; Dyer, Christopher; Gruffydd-Jones, Kevin; Ward, Sabbi; Badlan, Kathryn

Abstract

Aim: To identify patient needs following discharge from hospital after an exacerbation of COPD. Methods: Qualitative and semi-quantitative study using home-based structured interviews and focus groups involving 25 COPD patients after hospital discharge, interviews were performed seven days and three months post-discharge. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and were triangulated with the qualitative data from interviews and the focus groups. Results: There were high levels of depression (64%) and anxiety (40%). Feelings of anxiety after discharge were associated with the fear of another "attack" and with uncertainties about social and medical care provision, especially the provision of oxygen. Conclusions: Interventions to reduce readmission for COPD exacerbations need to consider the psychosocial as well as the medical needs of patients. There appears to be a need for improved hospital discharge procedures and community follow-up - including the provision of pulmonary rehabilitation and encouragement of self-management strategies. © 2007 General Practice Airways Group. All rights reserved.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2007
• Journal: Primary Care Respiratory Journal
• Print ISSN: 1471-4418
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 363-368
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3132/pcrj.2007.00075
• Keywords: COPD exacerbations primary care, patients, needs
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1023349
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3132/pcrj.2007.00075