Cementing Pathways Home: Enhancing quality of life for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

While in past years there have been multiple attempts to address the issues surrounding the community/acute care interface, current outcomes suggest that few in Tasmania have achieved their goals for older people with chronic diseases, who continue to be high users of acute facilities. This presentation details the Pathways Home Chronic Respiratory Partnerships Project - a controlled study of a transferable, community-based program of self-management, supported by phone mentoring and patient symptom monitoring. A multidisciplinary collaboration between the University of Tasmania's Schools of Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery, and Information Systems, the project focuses on those with respiratory conditions due to their high level of hospital presentations. The evaluative process ensures transferability to other chronic conditions.