Abstract
Purpose Statement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the COPD Action Plan piloted by a Southern California medical group on the readmission of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Theoretical Framework. The theoretical framework of this study was based on Theory of Planned Behavior. The theoretical framework: Theory of planned behavior looks at the attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention that lead to the behavior of going to the ER to be admitted. Methodology. This archival research used quantitative data from a pilot study of a quasi-experimental design and assessed two primary constructs: (a) the effect of a nurse care management intervention—the COPD Action Plan—on patients with multiple admissions to the hospital, and (b) the relationship of associated nurse, doctor, and patient behaviors, and COPD patient readmission to the hospital. The independent variables in this study were the nurse care management intervention - COPD Action Plan, teach-back frequency, prescription call-in process, in-home possession of med, bronchodilator usage pattern, patient-doctor appointment, pulmonologist versus primary doctor involvement, and nurse time with patient. The study investigated the effect of these variables on the dependent variable, which is the post-action-plan admit rate. Findings and Conclusion. The amount of admits after the COPD Action Plan start date were significantly lower from the amount of admits 3 months prior to the COPD Action Plan, t(91) = 25.15, p < .001. The most significant conclusion of this pilot study is the need to use an intervention action plan to reduce post-discharged readmission of COPD patients. This pilot study showed that the COPD Action Plan intervention significantly lowered the hospital admits in COPD patients. Further Recommendation. It is recommended that this pilot study be replicated to include a longer period of time, 1-year pre and post COPD Action Plan.