[Results of a preventive program and assisted hospital discharge for COPD exacerbation. A feasibility study].

Background And Objective: Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most frequent causes of hospital admission. We examined the results and feasibility of two programs conducted by a hospital respiratory unit aimed to reduce both the length of hospital stay and the number of hospital admissions for COPD acute exacerbation.

Patients And Method: a) Assisted hospital discharge program: Patients admitted for acute exacerbation who met our criteria for early discharge were sent home with the support of a respiratory nurse.