Optimizing Care for COPD Patients: The Collaborative Role of Respiratory Therapists and Nurses in Disease Management and Patient Education to Improve Outcomes and Reduce Readmissions

Authors: Fahad R. Alharbi, Meshal A. Almaghrabi, Nasser Al-Thunayyan, Wadha D. Alshemmeri, Feras K.A. Melebari, Manna T. Alshammari, May K. Alshenaifi, Shatha F. Aldhawi, Zainab A. Alsomali, Yahya A. Alayyafi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13752090

Short DOI: https://doi.org/gv9v5t

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and hospital readmissions worldwide. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach, particularly involving respiratory therapists and nurses. Collaborative care, focused on patient education and disease management, plays a critical role in improving outcomes and reducing hospitalizations.

Objective: This study investigates how respiratory therapists and nurses collaborate to manage COPD patients, focusing on patient education, exacerbation management, and the impact on reducing hospital readmissions.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in a tertiary hospital, involving semi-structured interviews with 12 respiratory therapists and 12 nurses. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to interdisciplinary collaboration and patient care.

Results: Three major themes emerged: (1) Collaborative patient education, (2) Joint management of COPD exacerbations, and (3) Challenges in communication and role clarity. While collaboration was generally effective, communication gaps and role ambiguity were identified as barriers to optimal care delivery.

Conclusion: Collaborative care between respiratory therapists and nurses is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions in COPD management. Addressing communication challenges and role clarification can further enhance the quality of care.

Keywords: COPD, respiratory therapists, nurses, collaboration, patient education, hospital readmissions, exacerbations

Paper Id: 231164

Published On: 2022-04-05

Published In: Volume 10, Issue 2, March-April 2022

Cite This: Optimizing Care for COPD Patients: The Collaborative Role of Respiratory Therapists and Nurses in Disease Management and Patient Education to Improve Outcomes and Reduce Readmissions - Fahad R. Alharbi, Meshal A. Almaghrabi, Nasser Al-Thunayyan, Wadha D. Alshemmeri, Feras K.A. Melebari, Manna T. Alshammari, May K. Alshenaifi, Shatha F. Aldhawi, Zainab A. Alsomali, Yahya A. Alayyafi - IJIRMPS Volume 10, Issue 2, March-April 2022. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.13752090

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