Internal medicine journal
-
Internal medicine journal · Nov 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA chronic disease management programme can reduce days in hospital for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A steady increase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) admissions was addressed by enhancing primary care to provide intensive chronic disease management. ⋯ A chronic disease management programme for COPD patients that incorporated a variety of interventions, including pulmonary rehabilitation and implemented by primary care, reduced admissions and hospital bed days. Key elements were patient participation and information sharing among healthcare providers.