This study aimed to reduce 30-day all-cause hospital readmission COPD patients discharged from Saint Louis University Hospital to below 11.5% by May 1st, 2023. Acute exacerbations of COPD frequently lead to emergency room visits and readmission, increasing treatment costs. Low health literacy is also attributed to exacerbations and readmission. According to recent literature, telehealth visits can reduce readmissions, so this study was aimed at establishing whether telehealth would be successful in improving health outcomes in these individuals. Nursing students collaborated with the interprofessional team at SSM SLU Hospital to identify and consent eligible participants. Once consented, a Brief Health Literacy Score was collected to establish a baseline health literacy rate. Within 48 hours of discharge from SLU Hospital, each participant was called twice weekly to complete a standardized telehealth questionnaire and a COPD Assessment Test to identify risk of COPD exacerbation. A literature review and two PDSA cycles were completed throughout this project. One patient in this study was readmitted to the hospital, and the rest successfully avoided readmission. Several patients provided consent to be part of this study, but did not answer their phone, resulting in removal from the study. We also concluded that low health literacy is correlated with higher CAT scores in our subjects. This data shows the value of following up with patients and ensuring they are educated on their condition and resources. We hope that more thorough, individualized assessments and follow ups become the standard of care in the future. 

Fiona, Courtney, Inayah, Nicole, and Kelly would like to thank their faculty sponsor, Shelley von der Lancken, M.S.N., RN, for her guidance and support throughout this study. In addition, the group would like to thank Erin Rakey, RRT for her assistance with COPD education and patient recruitment throughout the project.