1. Operating a Sustainable Disease Management Program for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Author
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Michele Prinzi, David G. Tinkelman, Abby Schwartz, Phillip Corsello, and Linda Endicott
- Subjects
Program evaluation ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Colorado ,Leadership and Management ,Psychological intervention ,Assessment and Diagnosis ,Risk Assessment ,Severity of Illness Index ,Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ,Patient Education as Topic ,Quality of life ,Outcome Assessment, Health Care ,Health care ,medicine ,Humans ,Cooperative Behavior ,Disease management (health) ,Intensive care medicine ,Life Style ,Referral and Consultation ,Care Planning ,Aged ,Quality Indicators, Health Care ,Asthma ,COPD ,business.industry ,Communication ,Health Policy ,Public health ,Disease Management ,medicine.disease ,respiratory tract diseases ,Models, Organizational ,Practice Guidelines as Topic ,Quality of Life ,Physical therapy ,Patient Participation ,Power, Psychological ,business ,Case Management ,Program Evaluation - Abstract
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of our nation's most rapidly growing chronic health conditions. It is estimated that over 16 million individuals are diagnosed with COPD (Friedman & Hilleman, 2001). In addition, another 16 million are misdiagnosed as asthma or not diagnosed at all. COPD is a condition that affects the working-age as well as the elderly. Despite the high mortality rate, COPD is a treatable and modifiable condition. Disease management programs (DMPs) for asthma are a common initiative within many health insurance plans and integrated delivery networks. Similar initiatives are not as common for COPD. This article will highlight the National Jewish Medical and Research Center's COPD DMP interventions and outcomes. Objective To outline interventions and operational strategies critical in developing and operating a sustainable and effective disease management program for COPD. Conclusions Disease Management is an effective model for managing individuals with COPD. Applying a case management model that includes (1) risk-identification and stratification; (2) education and empowerment regarding self-monitoring and management; (3) lifestyle modification; (4) communication and collaboration amongst patients, healthcare providers, and case managers to enhance the treatment plan; (5) providing after-hours support; and (6) monitoring care outcomes is crucial. Applying these interventions in a credible manner will improve the quality of life and quality of care delivered to individuals with mild, moderate, severe, and very severe COPD. Additionally, these interventions can significantly reduce utilization events.
- Published
- 2003