BTS admission bundle | BTS discharge bundle |
A correct diagnosis of AECOPD should be confirmed | All patients should have their respiratory medications and inhaler technique assessed prior to discharge. |
An oxygen assessment should be undertaken and the correct target range prescribed within 30 min | All patients should receive a written plan for how to manage a further AECOPD and should receive a discharge pack of ‘emergency’ drugs prior to discharge. |
Recognise and respond to respiratory acidosis within 1 hour of admission | Smoking status should be assessed together with a willingness to quit and for those patients indicating a wish for further assistance, a referral should be made to a stop smoking programme. |
Medication (steroids and nebulisers) to be administered within 4 hours of admission | All patients should be assessed for their suitability for pulmonary rehabilitation prior to discharge. |
Review by respiratory team to take place within 24 hours of admission | Community follow-up within 2 weeks of discharge from hospital should be organised. |
AECOPD, acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; BTS, British Thoracic Society.