Every year, acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) is responsible for approximately 196,000 emergency department (ED) visits across Canada. Currently, AECOPD is the leading cause of hospital admission and readmission above all other chronic conditions. Recent studies indicate that there is a need for close collaboration between acute and primary care providers to improve chronic disease management in the community.
Improving the care for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Cambridge, Ontario is a priority for Cambridge Memorial Hospital. The goal of the project is to promote capacity with self-management in patients with COPD by partnering with the individual patient to provide information and focus attention on specific issues related to identification of educational needs, and developing a plan for follow up and monitoring. Supporting patients with chronic conditions to effectively self-manage is the goal of the team of health care professionals. This project is based on the philosophy that building the capacity to self-manage is paramount to successful chronic illness management.