COPD exacerbation care bundle improves standard of care, length of stay, and readmission rates

This observational study examined the relationship between use of a standardized COPD care bundle and readmission rates, length of stay and hospital costs. The care bundle included nursing, patient education and discharge protocols and was incorporated into the organization's EMR. Statistically significant benefits on all three primary outcomes were identified for those in the treatment group. Secondary outcomes -- including time to antibiotic, steroid or nebulizer administration -- are also discussed. The researchers indicate that this is the first EMR-embedded COPD care bundle systematically studied and compare their findings to the established literature in readmissions reduction and inpatient mortality.