Post-acute care following a COPD exacerbation

Following an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), review the patient’s regular drug therapy, including adherence and inhaler technique, to determine whether any changes are required. Ensure the written COPD action plan is up to date and that the patient understands how to use it.

Refer the patient to a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Pulmonary rehabilitation following an exacerbation can reduce further hospital admissions and exacerbations, and improve quality of life.

Provide the patient’s general practitioner (GP) with a clinical-care summary. The patient should see their GP for review within 7 days of discharge.

An admission to hospital for an exacerbation of COPD is a sentinel event that should prompt consideration of advance care planning, including consideration of the appointment of a substitute decision-maker.