Variations in practice patterns and resource utilization in patients treated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Rationale, aims, and objectives: Several studies have looked at patient-related variables influencing hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, there has been increasing recognition that physician-related factors also play a significant role. This study aims to evaluate differences in practice patterns between teaching and nonteaching services and their effect on LOS in a large community hospital.

Methods: A retrospective study of 354 patients admitted to Florida Hospital, Orlando, with AECOPD between January 2009 and December 2011. Patients who presented with acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation were excluded. Practice patterns of interest were use of oral versus intravenous systemic steroids, use of oral versus intravenous antibiotics, and utilization of consultations.

Results: Length of stay was significantly lower in the teaching compared with the nonteaching group (2.80 vs. 5.04 days, P < .001). There was significantly greater use of oral steroids (85% vs. 8.9%, P < .001), greater use of oral antibiotics (72% vs. 33%, P < .001), and lower utilization of consults (0.3 vs. 1.4 consults per patient, P < .001) in the teaching compared with the nonteaching group. The teaching service was independently associated with decreased LOS in a multivariable regression model. However, after adjustment for the difference in practice patterns between the 2 groups, the teaching service was no longer associated with decreased LOS. Of the practice patterns, only utilization of consults was independently associated with increased LOS.

Conclusions: The teaching service had decreased LOS compared with the nonteaching service in patients hospitalized for AECOPD. The observed difference was completely explained by differences in practice patterns between the 2 groups. The study identifies an opportunity for more efficient and cost-effective care of AECOPD patients through streamlining of consultations, use of oral steroids in lieu of IV steroids, and antibiotic stewardship.

Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; hospital length of stay; intravenous antibiotics; intravenous steroids; resource utilization; specialty consults.