Reducing the Rate of Re-hospitalization in Home Healthcare Patients

Running head: REDUCING THE RATE OF RE-HOSPITALIZATION 1
REDUCING THE RATE OF RE-HOSPITALIZATION IN HOME HEALTHCARE
PATIENTS
Oluwaseun Obajolu
Grand Canyon University.
NRS 490.
05/27/2018.
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REDUCING THE RATE OF RE-HOSPITALIZATION 2
Table of Contents
1. Background............................................................................................................................3
2. Problem statement..................................................................................................................3
3. Purpose of the change proposal..............................................................................................4
4. PICOT....................................................................................................................................4
4.1 Population.........................................................................................................................4
4.2 Intervention.......................................................................................................................4
4.3 Expected Outcomes..........................................................................................................5
4.4 Time Frame......................................................................................................................5
5. Literature search strategy employed......................................................................................5
6. Evaluation of the literature.....................................................................................................5
7. Applicable change..................................................................................................................7
8. The proposed implementation plan with outcome measures.................................................7
9. Identification of potential barriers to plan implementation, and a discussion of how these
could be overcome.....................................................................................................................8
References..................................................................................................................................9
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REDUCING THE RATE OF RE-HOSPITALIZATION 3
1. Background
Patients suffering from the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often
experience cases of being re-hospitalized (Niti, Tan, Cao, & Ng, 2007). Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease is a universal term that is usually used to describe an array of diseases
that affect the lungs. The particular disease includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and
finally refractory asthma (Gao & Taniguchi, 2014). The general rise in the trend in re-
hospitalization has led to an increased study on the initiatives to be put in place to ensure that
there is a reduction in the rate of re-hospitalization in home healthcare patients. Adib-
Hajbaghery, Maghaminejad & Abbasi, (2013) studied the function of nonstop care in
lowering the readmission rates for patients diagnosed with heart failure. Brewster et al.,
(2016) also conducted a qualitative study of 10 hospitals which had undergone both decrease
and increase of readmission rates.
Regardless of the much effort put into the study of reducing re-hospitalization in
home health care patients and the illness associated with it such as the Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease, there still exists no standard method for treating. The only intervention
programs available are managed to improve on the symptoms and prevent exacerbations of
the condition.
2. Problem statement
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a universal term that is usually used to
describe an array of diseases that affect the lungs. The underlining characteristic of the
disease is increased breathlessness. It is very unfortunate that the disease is progressive and
has no cure. With the correct diagnosis and treatment, however, the condition can be
managed well to improve breathing (Apps, et al, 2016). In Emphysema, for example, the
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REDUCING THE RATE OF RE-HOSPITALIZATION 4
alveoli are damaged and inelastic making it difficult for air to move in and out. In chronic
bronchitis, the bronchial airways get inflamed and destruction of cilia which sweep mucus
and make the airways clean (Apps et al., 2016). Mucus, in turn, build up and cause
difficulties in breathing. In Asthma, the airways tighten and swell.
Therefore the clinical question of interest is, In COPD patients discharged to home,
how home health care involvement transition to no home care involvement affects patient
outcomes regarding re-admissions to the hospital within 3-6 months after discharge.
3. Purpose of the change proposal
This project will focus on highlighting the aspects that concern reducing the rates of
re-hospitalization in home healthcare patients.
4. PICOT
4.1 Population
The population that is at risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease primarily are
the smoking population. However, the population that gets exposed to other irritants like
chemicals are also likely to suffer from the condition. This may include those people who
work in industries that deal with pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. Farmers are also at
risk when spraying those chemicals in their farms. This is to simply mean that any population
that is exposed to substances that can irritate the airways is at risk of the Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease.
4.2 Intervention
Currently, there is no standard method for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease. The only intervention programs available are managed to improve on the symptoms
and prevent exacerbations of the condition. Changes or effect of the Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease is irreversible as long as the patient continues smoking. This is because
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