Standardized Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Order Sets

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) continues to challenge the health and wellness of many Albertans. As of 2009/10, COPD is responsible for the highest number of patient hospitalizations in Alberta. A standardized order set for admission from Emergency Departments was created to enhance patient management with a potential to decrease length of stay. The order sets focus on enhancing management in the following areas:

• Streamlined admission process for COPD patients and their inpatient care
• Increased access to allied health consults and their interventions (resulting in increased patient confidence and an earlier transition home)
• Standardized antibiotic and corticosteroid use
• Early discharge planning

A successful pilot has been completed at the Peter Lougheed Hospital and further deployment of the order sets to Calgary area hospitals will be completed by December 2014.