X3.7 Discharge planning

Patients with COPD discharged from hospital following an exacerbation should receive comprehensive follow-up lead by the primary healthcare team [evidence level I, strong recommendation]

Discharge planning involves the patient, external lay and professional carers, the multidisciplinary hospital and community team and the patient’s regular GP. It should commence on admission and be documented within 24–48 hours (see Box 14).

Lung Foundation Australia has developed the Managing COPD Exacerbation Checklist available at: https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/?search=managing%20a%20copd%20exacerbation%20checklist which provides guidance on managing a patient at three stages – in hospital; prior to leaving hospital; and on an ongoing basis 1-4 weeks post-discharge.

Appropriate patient education and attention to preventive management are likely to reduce the frequency of further exacerbations. Assessment of social supports and domestic arrangements are critical in discharge planning. Medicare items support aspects of discharge planning. See http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mbsprimarycare-factsheet-chronicdisease.htm

A discharge pack, which includes general information about COPD, advice on medication use and written instructions on use of inhalation and oxygen devices, if appropriate, as well as a plan for management of worsening symptoms, should be provided. The GP (and respiratory outreach program, if available) should be notified during the patient’s admission. A case conference involving the multidisciplinary team and GP may assist successful transition to the community. Medicare Benefits Schedule Enhanced Primary Care item numbers may be claimed for “participation in a case conference” and “contribution to a care plan” (see section D).

Before discharge, referral to a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program should be considered.

Box 14: Criteria for discharge

Suggested criteria for a patient’s readiness for discharge include:

  • The patient should be in a clinically stable condition and have had no parenteral therapy for 24 hours
  • Inhaled bronchodilators are required less than four-hourly
  • Oxygen delivery has ceased for 24 hours (unless home oxygen is indicated)
  • If previously able, the patient is ambulating safely and independently, and performing activities of daily living
  • The patient is able to eat and sleep without significant episodes of dyspnoea
  • The patient or caregiver understands and is able to administer medications
  • Follow-up and home care arrangements (eg, home oxygen, home-care, Meals on Wheels, community nurse, allied health, GP, specialist) have been completed.

A meta-analysis which included an appraisal of four RCTs across three countries and which demonstrated that the use of COPD discharge bundles reduced hospital readmissions by 20% showed no demonstrable benefit in terms of LOS or mortality (Ospina 2017). Outpatient follow-up was found to be a core element to reduce re-admissions.

A systematic literature review of 13 evidence based clinical pathways used in either primary care or hospital settings across 10 countries has demonstrated a reduction in COPD re-admissions by 34% (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.88) [evidence level I], although with little reduction in length of stay.  Studies with longer follow ups appeared more likely to detect benefits (Plishka 2019).