PROFILE ASSESSMENT FOR HOSPITAL READMISSIONAMONG MALE PATIENTS OF ACUTE EXACERBATIONCHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASEAT SELECTED HOSPITAL IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Background:Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) is a commonlung disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible and is both chronic and progressive. Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is a suddenworsening of COPD symptoms that typically lasts for several days. AECOPDreadmission has been one of global concern and was the fifth leading cause of disease burden in Malaysia, both clinically and economically.

Objective: This study is aimed to screen the factors are contributed to readmission among AECOPD male patients in selected hospital of Malaysia and associated medication cost.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study, whereby data collections were based upon AECOPD Patient's Medical Record that was readmitted to the Male Medical ward from 1^st January to 31^st December 2015 and documented into the patient's data collection form. The collected data were analysed by using software name Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.0 (SPSS 17.0).

Results: Total sample population collected was 100 patients during the study period. Majority of patients aged from 50-79 years old (83%) and 74% of them were Malays. The 94% of them were associated with cigarette smoking and 93% were having concomitant disease of cardiovascular disorder& endocrine disorder. Out of 100 study population, 32% patients were readmitted back in more than one year since previous hospitalization, while 40% was readmitted back within less than thirty days. The longest day of hospitalization spent 12 days but majority (56%) spent less than five days of hospitalization. Combinations between Augmentin and Azithromycin were the common (45%) antibiotics prescribed among the study population. Significantly statistical difference (P < 0.05) are shown between cigarette smoking habits on different groups of age and between time readmission after discharge with medication adherence, while no significantly statistical difference (P > 0.05) between length of stay with medication cost during admission.

Conclusion: The readmission factors were contributed among AECOPD in selected hospital were revealed highest among Malay aged between 50-79 years old, associated with cigarettes smoking and not adhere to medications. Medication cost during admission was not significantly increasing proportionally with length of stay.