Publications by authors named "Kim Stavrolakes"
The National Emphysema Treatment Trial used a multidisciplinary team approach to implement the maximum medical care protocol, including adjustment of medications and outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation for all patients and nutritional and psychological counseling as needed. This article discusses the benefits of such an approach in the care of the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Team member roles complement each other and contribute to the goal of providing the highest-quality medical care.
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- The study examined the impact of outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation on healthcare utilization in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, comparing data from the year before and after the rehabilitation program.
- Hospitalizations decreased significantly, with patients experiencing an average reduction of 0.25 hospitalizations and 2.18 fewer hospital days in the year following rehabilitation, particularly in intensive care units.
- Physician visits also declined, with an average decrease of 2.4 visits, resulting in an estimated reduction in healthcare costs by an average of $4,694.