AECOPD Care Path

Care Paths are an advanced form of clinical decision support available in the Connect Care clinical information system. They aid in clinical workflow with simple and intuitive supports accessed via Best Practice Advisories (BPAs) based on results, medications, investigations and diagnosis. Targeted recommendations based on clinical criteria are provided to clinicians, which allow for key actions to be visible within a single view (e.g., order management, note writing).

The Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) Care Path allows for an integrated multidisciplinary approach through shared coordination of a patient’s health care, with the objective of improving care across the continuum from acute, community and primary care. An initial focus relates to patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of AECOPD.

Key Features

Care Path Utilization

Care Paths have been shown to reduce unhelpful practice variation, prescribing errors, length of stay, readmission rates, patient mortality, and healthcare costs. They also improve patient follow-up with primary care providers, specialists, and specialty clinics. 

Care Path feedback metrics are designed to help clinicians recognize missed opportunities for leveraging the potential positive impact of these tools.

Available metrics are found in Meaningful Use Dashboards:

Education Modules

The first course noted below is also integrated into the second larger module listed, with additional information on AECOPD diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment options. Both courses are available in MyLearningLink (MLL).

Resources