Millions of Dollars Wasted on Preventable Hospital Readmissions in Older Adults with Chronic Lung Disease
Standing
Graduate (Masters)
Type of Proposal
Poster Presentation
Challenges Theme
Building Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Your Location
University of Windsor
Faculty
Faculty of Nursing
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Kate Kemplin
Proposal
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations costs millions of dollars to healthcare systems, largely due to the cost of multiple hospital admissions. We analyzed multiple studies related to the impact of influenza vaccine on COPD exacerbations. We found that receiving the yearly influenza vaccine reduces the number of COPD exacerbations requiring hospital admissions in older adults. However, there are an alarming number of subjects who indicate that physicians rarely recommend influenza vaccine until later stages of disease. The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends influenza vaccination for those with COPD during an acute episode of care and post acute episodes of care. Vaccinations would be appropriate for those without any pre-existing contraindications including those with allergies to the vaccination and history of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Careful consideration would have to be given to individuals meeting the following criteria when choosing the type of influenza vaccination: those with egg allergies, asthma, aged >50 years old, immunocompromised patients, or those in contact with immunocompromised individuals.In addition, previous studies demonstrate a surprising lack of methodological and statistical rigour. To our knowledge, our study is the first investigation of statistical methods within studies of the impact of influenza vaccine on COPD exacerbations. We will present crucial information for healthcare providers and caregivers in order to create a healthier community of elders.
Millions of Dollars Wasted on Preventable Hospital Readmissions in Older Adults with Chronic Lung Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations costs millions of dollars to healthcare systems, largely due to the cost of multiple hospital admissions. We analyzed multiple studies related to the impact of influenza vaccine on COPD exacerbations. We found that receiving the yearly influenza vaccine reduces the number of COPD exacerbations requiring hospital admissions in older adults. However, there are an alarming number of subjects who indicate that physicians rarely recommend influenza vaccine until later stages of disease. The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends influenza vaccination for those with COPD during an acute episode of care and post acute episodes of care. Vaccinations would be appropriate for those without any pre-existing contraindications including those with allergies to the vaccination and history of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Careful consideration would have to be given to individuals meeting the following criteria when choosing the type of influenza vaccination: those with egg allergies, asthma, aged >50 years old, immunocompromised patients, or those in contact with immunocompromised individuals.In addition, previous studies demonstrate a surprising lack of methodological and statistical rigour. To our knowledge, our study is the first investigation of statistical methods within studies of the impact of influenza vaccine on COPD exacerbations. We will present crucial information for healthcare providers and caregivers in order to create a healthier community of elders.