Pampered Patients

Abstract

Background/Aims: In the UK, effective COPD management is guided by compliance with NICE guidelines within a national quality outcomes framework. We sought to benchmark existing standards of care and measure changes in identified areas for improvement to comply with NICE guidance following focused educational initiatives. Methods: Baseline data were captured using 9Patient Outcomes and Information Service9 (POINTS) software for all patients with COPD within the cluster population across 25 practices. Additional data was recorded during ongoing screening and clinical case review to measure changes in key parameters over 12 months from November 2011 to November 2012. Relevant outcomes were selected to align with NICE guidance. Results: Benchmarking and progress were reported for a total of 2521 COPD patients. Over a 12 month period, 212 new COPD diagnoses were made, with 67% (n=1694) of existing patients undergoing clinical review. The proportion of patients receiving a NICE standard patient review increased from 51% (n=2309) to 61% (n=2521). Exacerbation frequency recording increased from 20% (n=1219) to 72% (n=1694) and CAT score recording from 7.2% (n=1219) to 69.7% (n=1694). Self-management plan creation increased from 2.6% (n=1694) to 43.1% (n=1694) and referral and uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation from 2.1% (n=1219) to 21.9% (n=1694). Allied with this, a 6.25% reduction in COPD-related hospital admissions was reported, compared to the national average decrease of 1.06%. Conclusions: Benchmarking with focused medical education towards identified areas for improvement improves patient COPD management in primary care.