What effect does home-based management have on COPD patients' hospital readmission rates?

Background Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) patients have a history of recurring exacerbations that result in hospital admissions. Self-management in COPD has been the subject of inconsistently conducted research to date. Does the evidence justify a home-based approach given the overwhelming weight of disease on the world's hospitals? We must consider the impact of home-based management on hospital readmissions, hospital Length Of Stay (LOS), mortality and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL)

Aim To determine the impact of home-based management on hospital re-admission rates in patients with COPD

Method Systematic review (SR) methodology was utilized, quantitative studies focusing on readmission rates in COPD patients' who had home-based management care. This review integrates evidence from studies spanning three continents- Asia, Europe, & North America with 3,604 participants. Readmission rates were the primary focus, while secondary goals were LOS, mortality, and HRQL

Results This SR has shown positive statically significant results showing the impact of home-based management in COPD patients can reduce readmission to hospital. LOS and mortality while slightly in favour of home-based management was not considered statistically significant.

Conclusion Given the burden on the health services this review shows promising results with a reduction in readmission rates, LOS and mortality. Further research is required on the cost effectiveness and exploration is warranted to quantify the various types of packages that make up home-based management to achieve the optimum result.