Readmissions in COPD: The perspective of the patient

Introduction: Readmissions in COPD occur in up to 40 % within a year and consequently cause substantial personal and economic burden. To our knowledge no information exists on the perspective of the patient on this matter. Aims: This observational pilot study aimed to identify factors that are associated with a preventable readmission from the patient9s perspective. Methods: Patients were both prospectively and retrospectively identified. A grand total of 76 patients were included and were successively interviewed about their readmission and the preceding admission, using a newly composed 23-item interview script. Results: Forty-seven patients reported that their readmission was not preventable (62%), whereas 23 patients reported that it was preventable (30%) and six patients were undecided (8%). Patients who report a preventable readmission were significant more likely to answer that they were discharged too soon (48% vs 13%, P Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into factors that are associated with preventable readmissions in COPD from the patient9s perspective and illustrates the importance of incorporating the patient9s perspective in interventions to reduce preventable readmissions. Furthermore, these results have led to concrete changes in the discharge process at the pulmonary ward in Isala hospital.