Aim
RADS aim is always to keep patients who have COPD at home by giving them the tools, education, and support to manage their exacerbations in a timely manner. However, during the pandemic bed availability became essential, and avoiding patients who have respiratory symptoms, requiring isolation was of up-most importance.
Outcomes
- bed days saved
- bed availability freed
- recouping of funds
- patient satisfaction is high.
Background
Patients who have COPD are known to have a higher morbidity or mortality risk if they are admitted to hospital with an exacerbation, at any time, not just during a pandemic. Being nursed at home maintains independence and lessons the chance of hospital acquired infection.
During the pandemic this service became even more important. Outpatients with COPD present at hospitals with breathlessness and respiratory symptoms that mirrors those of Covid-19 and therefore they require isolation, which puts more pressure on bed stock.