Integrated multidisciplinary community service for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reduces hospitalisations

Background Hospitalisations for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation affect patient outcomes and healthcare costs. The long‐term impact of an integrated COPD disease‐management approach on hospitalisation remains controversial. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a multidisciplinary community service reduces respiratory hospitalisations for COPD patients. Methods A total of 346 patients was followed for a mean duration of 27.3 months. The number of admissions, total bed days for respiratory (COPD exacerbation or pneumonia) or general medical causes and length of stay (LOS) per respiratory admission was compared before and after referral with the service. A secondary multivariate analysis examined which clinical parameters best predict benefit from such service. Results The total respiratory admission and hospital bed days after referral were reduced by 31% (288 vs 417, P