Posted: February 9th, 2023

Reducing Hospital Readmissions among High-Risk Patient Populations

After reviewing Module 2: Lecture Materials & Resources, you will select a diagnosis among high-risk patient populations that are commonly readmitted to the hospital. Prepare a work that examines the rationale for readmissions among this population and provide evidence-based interventions for reducing hospital readmissions in this population.

Submission Instructions:

The submission is to be clear and concise and students will lose points for improper grammar, punctuation and misspelling.
The submission is to be 5 pages in length:
Title (Page 1)
Abstract (Page 2)
Body (Pages 3-4, 1000 words total)
Reference Page (Page 5)
Incorporate a minimum of 3 current (published within the last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work. Journal articles and books should be referenced according to APA style (the library has a copy of the APA Manual).
Your work should be formatted per APA and references should be current (published within last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions)

Read
Rector, C. & Stanley, M.J. (2022).
Chapter 6 – Structure and Economics of Community Health Services
Chapter 7 – Epidemiology in Community Health Care
Chapter 8 – Communicable Disease Control
Chapter 9 – Environmental Health and Safety
The Healthcare System of the United States (00:07:35)
Healthcare Triage (2014, February 17) Healthcare System of the United States [Video] YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN-MkRcOJjY
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Title: Reducing Hospital Readmissions among High-Risk Patient Populations: A Focus on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Abstract:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a high-risk patient population that is commonly readmitted to the hospital. The purpose of this work is to examine the rationale for readmissions among this population and provide evidence-based interventions for reducing hospital readmissions in this population. This work will examine the current literature on COPD and hospital readmissions, including epidemiology, risk factors, and interventions. The literature suggests that COPD is a significant health concern, with high rates of hospital readmissions. The leading causes of readmissions include exacerbations of COPD, medication noncompliance, and lack of access to primary care. Evidence-based interventions for reducing hospital readmissions among COPD patients include patient education, medication management, and primary care coordination.

Body:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a progressive decline in lung function and is associated with a number of symptoms, including shortness of breath, chronic cough, and sputum production. COPD is a leading cause of hospital readmissions, with high rates of readmissions among this patient population.
The epidemiology of COPD and hospital readmissions is well established. COPD is a major public health concern, affecting an estimated 24 million adults in the United States alone. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and is projected to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020. Furthermore, COPD is a significant financial burden on the healthcare system, with an estimated $32 billion in direct and indirect costs in the United States.
There are several risk factors for COPD and hospital readmissions. These include age, smoking, exposure to environmental pollutants, and genetics. Additionally, comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression are also associated with increased risk of hospital readmissions among COPD patients.
The leading causes of COPD-related hospital readmissions include exacerbations of COPD, medication noncompliance, and lack of access to primary care. Exacerbations of COPD occur when symptoms worsen and can lead to hospitalization. Medication noncompliance, where patients do not take their medications as prescribed, is also a significant contributor to hospital readmissions. Furthermore, lack of access to primary care, where patients do not have a regular primary care provider, can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment and increased risk of hospitalization.
There are several evidence-based interventions for reducing hospital readmissions among COPD patients. These include patient education, medication management, and primary care coordination. Patient education is an important intervention for COPD patients, as it helps to improve patient understanding of the condition and how to manage symptoms. Medication management, which includes ensuring that patients take their medications as prescribed and addressing medication-related problems, is also an important intervention. Primary care coordination, where patients have a regular primary care provider who coordinates their care, can help to improve access to care and reduce hospital readmissions.
COPD is a high-risk patient population that is commonly readmitted to the hospital. The rationale for readmissions among this population includes exacerbations of COPD, medication noncompliance, and lack of access to primary care. Evidence-based interventions for reducing hospital readmissions among COPD patients include patient education, medication management, and primary care coordination. These interventions can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the financial burden on the healthcare system.

References:
Rector, C., & Stanley, M. J. (