Development and Evaluation of the Discharge Planning Model for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients by Multidisciplinary Team, Medical Ward, Yala Hospital

Abstract

Abstract: This research and development aimed to develop and evaluate a discharge planning model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients by a multidisciplinary team at the medical ward, Yala Hospital, during October 2022 - September 2023. The study comprised 3 phases. Phase 1 was studying the situation of discharge planning for patients with COPD. The sample was the medical records of 201 COPD patients and data from a focus group of representatives from the multidisciplinary team. Phase 2 was developing and implementing a discharge planning model for COPD patients by a multidisciplinary team. Phase 3 was evaluating the results of implementing the discharge planning model for COPD patients by a multidisciplinary team with two sample groups, namely 56 professional nurses in the medical ward and 70 COPD patients. The patient group was divided into two groups, each of 35 patients, to evaluate the outcome before and after implementing the discharge planning model. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square to compare the unplanned readmission rate within 28 days. The study findings showed that discharge planning models for COPD patients by a multidisciplinary team was feasible and nurses were satisfied with the implementation at a high level. The readmission rate among COPD patients in the group receiving the discharge planning model by a multidisciplinary team was significantly lower than that among patients receiving regular discharge planning (p < .05). The developed discharge planning model can be used in practice and reduces the unplanned readmission rate. However, long-term follow-up study should be conducted.