About Us

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects over 11 million Americans and is the third most frequent cause for readmission to hospitals within 30 days. Within five years of hospital discharge for a COPD exacerbation, there is a 44% risk for re-hospitalization and a 55% mortality rate. This quality improvement initiative leverages a directed, interprofessional team with the aim of effectively reducing 30-day readmission rates for patients with a recent COPD exacerbation while increasing access to care.

The COPD CARE (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Coordinated Access to Reduce Exacerbations) service is an inter-professional transitions of care service focused on COPD management during the patient transition from hospital or emergency department to home.

The service is a formalized program for Veterans seen both in the Emergency Department and Hospital with a COPD exacerbation. Specific service information is available in the COPD CARE Service Overview Document, under the “Training Link.” Specific online modules can also be viewed under the “Training” link.