Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Acute Care Collaborative

The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) acute care collaborative aims to improve the experience and outcomes for people with COPD in Victoria.  It will address the critical factors that increase the likelihood of readmission to hospital from COPD.

We are partnering and providing funding to Lung Foundation Australia to deliver a nurse-led collaborative aimed at improving patient experience, quality of care and health outcomes for people with COPD in Victoria.

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that can make it hard to breathe.  It includes conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma. 

COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting one in seven Australians over 40. It is often under-recognised, under-diagnosed, and undertreated, with many consumers living with symptoms without a formal diagnosis.

Early lung health changes are frequently mistaken for ageing, lack of fitness, or asthma, leading to reduced quality of life and missed opportunities to slow disease progression. 

Improving outcomes through standardised, evidence-based care in clinical practice is a significant public health opportunity.

Objectives

Lung Foundation Australia, together with participating public hospitals are exploring ways to better implement evidence-based improvements to address gaps in care for patients with COPD. 

Support, toolkits and resources are currently being developed and tested to:

• Improve the accurate diagnosis of patients with COPD in Victorian hospitals using spirometry
• Increase referrals and participation in pulmonary rehabilitation programs
• Increase routine assessment of inhaler technique and adherence
• Optimise prescribing of medicines for the management of COPD exacerbations according to current evidence-based guidelines
• Ensure patients (and their carers) have the information to proactively identify and manage a COPD exacerbation
• Ensure people with COPD receive timely review to optimise management after hospitalisation for an exacerbation.

Solution design

The COPD acute care collaborative includes:

• Development of a framework of practical improvement ideas
• Examples drawn from existing participants
• Use of the Model for Improvement to deliver rapid and sustainable improvements
• Measurement for improvement
• Protected time to plan and carry out changes
• Lung Foundation Australia support team.

The Lung Foundation are supporting and funding a nurse ambassador role at each participating health service to undertake the collaborative requirements. Ten health services across Victoria have been selected to participate in the collaborative. 

Project milestones

Participating services

• Alfred Health
• Bendigo Health
• Grampians Health (Ballarat Base Hospital)
• Barwon Health (University Hospital Geelong)
• Benalla Health
• Central Highlands Rural Health (Daylesford Hospital)
• East Grampians Health Service (Ararat)
• Echuca Regional Health
• Heathcote Health
• Northern Health.