Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Improving Patient Care

The Lung Partners Primary Respiratory Care at the Crouse Hospital is managing the needs of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by assigning patients a respiratory therapist (RT) for initial and on-going hospital visits. Part of a primary RT’s responsibilities is to educate patients how to manage their disease and screen for other co-morbidities. To provide better care for its patients, the hospital has access to enhanced nebulizers and bronchodilators. Since 2014, the hospital experienced great results from this initiative, including:

• Reduction of late treatments from 23.71 to 2.75 percent.
• A 28 percent decrease in 30-day readmissions resulting from respiratory diseases.
• A 27 percent decrease in respiratory medication errors.

The program also has improved patient and RT job satisfaction. Additionally, screening patients through this program helped patients recognize any prevailing symptoms for anxiety and depression.

This case study is part of the HANYS Triple Aim series highlighting how New York hospitals are improving health, enhancing quality and reducing costs. Hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies across New York state are pursuing the Triple Aim. In spite of fiscal constraints, its members are embracing the challenge of transforming health care and are implementing new and innovative approaches to delivery.