Implementation of the patient outcomes and information service (POINTS) to improve the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Lanarkshire

Abstract

Background: NHS Lanarkshire, the 3rd largest Health Board in Scotland, was highlighted as a COPD hotspot in the 2007 BLF Invisible Lives report. It showed that people in Lanarkshire had a 44% higher risk of future hospital admission with COPD than the UK average. Aims & methods: To assess whether up-skilling Health Care Professionals (HCP) in providing a structured annual review by using a standardised COPD review template (POINTS) and introducing a standardised COPD patient self management plan for patients with COPD has the potential to improve outcomes. Results: Measurements of key parameters in the management of COPD at defined points in time showed enhanced adherence to NICE standards as shown in the Table 1. During the project intervention (July 2012-June 2014) there was a decline in COPD admissions 2012/13 to 2013/14 (2,303-2,006 admissions), compared with previous year-on-year increases. A causal relationship between the project intervention and reduction in COPD admissions cannot be made. Lessons learnt: Standardising COPD patient review through usage of a COPD review template supported HCP9s to deliver a structured COPD review. Additionally supporting the HCPs in building their knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm in COPD, resulted in more thorough patient data recording during review in line with the NICE COPD Guideline 2010. POINTS system & support provided by GSK.