Developing a specialist-nurse-led ‘COPD in-reach service’

Aim: To develop and implement a respiratory clinical-nurse-specialist-led chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ‘in-reach service’ for an emergency admission unit within a large acute county hospital. Method: Data collected during the service development were compared with existing data when no COPD in-reach service was available. Data were compared on average length of stay, readmission rates, ‘early assisted discharge’ and patient experience. Findings: The COPD in-reach service reduced average length of stay for COPD patients by 2.53 days and readmission rates were reduced by an average of 4.5 per month; 17% of patients were discharged on an early assisted discharge scheme, and overall patients felt more prepared and ready for discharge. Conclusion: The COPD in-reach service has been proven to be of great benefit both financially and in terms of patient experience.