TY - JOUR T1 - An innovative stratification score system for the management of patients with COPD in the community JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 42 IS - Suppl 57 SP - 219 AU - Alison Newey AU - Marion Wood AU - David Barber AU - Sarah Manson Y1 - 2013/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/219.abstract N2 - Background and aimThe prevalence of COPD is rapidly increasing, resulting in significant strain on healthcare resources. Since launching a COPD management service in our community in 2004, the number of patients monitored by the team has increased considerably, with important implications for care delivery and time management. In 2010, we developed a stratification score system of dependency to ensure appropriate level of respiratory care for our caseload of patients with COPD. We discuss the outcomes of this innovative approach.MethodsWe developed a scoring matrix evaluating clinical aspects of COPD including dyspnoea, anxiety and depression scores, sputum microbiology and oxygen therapy; scores were formulated to indicate low, medium or high levels of respiratory care requirement. Patients in the high and medium dependency groups were contacted by the team once a month or every two months, respectively. No contact was initiated by the team for patients in the low dependency group. The scoring matrix was developed in 2010 and undergoes annual review.ResultsSince introducing the stratification score system, the team was able to allocate more time to patients requiring high and medium level of respiratory care, to reintroduce pulmonary rehabilitation sessions (five afternoons per week), and to deliver early-support discharge programmes (five days per week).ConclusionsThe stratification score system contributed to a more efficient utilisation of healthcare resources, thereby improving the quality of care provided and facilitating the management of an increasing number of patients with COPD. ER -