Dr Parthasarathy’s group^[1] looked at medication reconciliation, whether the patient was on oxygen therapy, and instituting NIV with the Trilogy 100 (Philips Respironics) and what impact it had.  Patients each received a 90–100 mineducation session about COPD with a respiratory therapist who educated the patient about breathing techniques and techniques to clear mucous.  The patient had frequent home visits with the respiratory therapist, based on a predetermined schedule, and there were also unscheduled visits if requested by the patient.

Dr Parthasarathy and colleagues obtained and reviewed the patients’ charts in order to retrospectively review readmission to the hospital in the 12 months following enrollment into the QI program.