Improving patient education in hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A quality improvement initiative using LEAN methodology.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a costly chronic disease affecting more than 15 million Americans. The prevalence among US veterans is 3 times higher than the general population.

Local Problem: The Veteran Health Administration developed a standardized, evidence-based COPD educational tool called Green Light to Go (GLTG) designed to educate patients on managing their COPD symptoms at home.