Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Mary C. Garner
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a public health challenge and a leading cause of readmissions in the United States. Research suggests that many patient readmissions could be prevented by using a multidisciplinary approach to develop quality, evidence-informed clinical practice guidelines. A retrospective review of the electronic health record by the project site’s quality committee revealed a lack of consistency in adhering to best practice recommendations, as evidenced by increased readmission rates. The purpose of this project was to develop a clinical practice guideline with input from a collaborative expert advisory committee for the discharge care of COPD patients. The practice-focused question addressed whether a multidisciplinary group could develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines that meet the AGREE II criteria for the discharge care of COPD patients. The Iowa model of evidence-based practice was used as the conceptual framework to guide this project. Core components of the chronic care model were used as a proactive approach to reducing fragmented care while improving quality outcomes for COPD patients. Five expert advisory members provided feedback on the quality of the guideline using the AGREE II instrument. The advisory committee agreed to present the guideline as a policy proposal to the local site’s medical executive committee. If implemented, this guideline could affect positive social change through use at other organizations to improve patient outcomes and reduce 30-day readmissions.
Recommended Citation
Stewart, Thomas, "Clinical Practice Guideline for Transitions of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9267.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9267
