COPD, COOP and BREATH at the VA

• Main Author: Robbins RA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Arizona Thoracic Society 2011-02-01
• Series: Southwest Journal of Pulmonary and Critical Care
• Subjects: BREATH; COPD; Veterans Administration; patient education; trial
• Online Access: http://www.swjpcc.com/editorial/2011/2/16/copd-coop-and-breath-at-the-va.html
• ISSN: 2160-6773

No abstract available. Article truncated at 150 words. The February 2011 Pulmonary Journal Club reviews a study by Rice and colleagues (1) of high-risk COPD patients (click here for Pulmonary Journal Club). This review was authored by Kevin Park who also authored an ACP Journal Club review (2). In Rice’s study a single educational session, an individualized care plan, and monthly case-manager telephone calls, resulted in a 41% decrease in hospitalizations and emergency room visits and a nonsignficant trend toward decreased mortality.Rice’s study was supported and conducted in the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 23 (Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and the Dakotas). The COPD patients in this study were recruited and followed primarily using the VA computer system. The study represents a potential model of data-based management leading to improved patient outcomes. The authors; Robert Petzel MD, then VISN 23 Director (now Veterans Healthcare Administration Undersecretary); and Janet Murphy, then VISN Primary Care Service Line CEO (now VISN …