TY - JOUR T1 - Designing and implementing a COPD discharge care bundle JF - Thorax JO - Thorax SP - 90 LP - 92 DO - 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2011-200233 VL - 67 IS - 1 AU - Nicholas S Hopkinson AU - Catherine Englebretsen AU - Nicholas Cooley AU - Kevin Kennie AU - Mun Lim AU - Thomas Woodcock AU - Anthony A Laverty AU - Sandra Wilson AU - Sarah L Elkin AU - Cielito Caneja AU - Christine Falzon AU - Helen Burgess AU - Derek Bell AU - Dilys Lai Y1 - 2012/01/01 UR - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/67/1/90.abstract N2 - National surveys have revealed significant differences in patient outcomes following admission to hospital with acute exacerbation of COPD which are likely to be due to variations in care. We developed a care bundle, comprising a short list of evidence-based practices to be implemented prior to discharge for all patients admitted with this condition, based on a review of national guidelines and other relevant literature, expert opinion and patient consultation. Implementation was then piloted using action research methodologies with patient input. Actively involving staff was vital to ensure that the changes introduced were understood and the process followed. Implementation of a care bundle has the potential to produce a dramatic improvement in compliance with optimum health care practice. ER -