In December 2014, changes were made in Medicare payment rules. Hospitals are now penalized when a patient returns within 30 days for treatment of the same problem. One of the targeted medical diagnoses for this payment change is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, it is essential that the interdisciplinary team be utilized to ensure a safe transition between the acute care setting and home for the patient with HF.

Using APA format, write a six (6) to ten (10) page paper (excludes cover and reference page) that addresses the disease management needs of adult patients with COPD for a safe transition between the acute care setting and home and the role of the interdisciplinary team in that transition.

A minimum of three (3) current professional references must be provided. Current references include professional publications or valid and current websites dated within five (5) years. Additionally, a textbook that is no more than one (1) edition old may be used.

The paper will consist of four (4) parts and must be submitted by the close of week 6.

Parts 1, 2, and 3 will focus on a disease management issue for the patient with COPD and the role of the interdisciplinary team in this issue.

Part 4 is the conclusion and needs to evaluate the effectiveness of the interdisciplinary team in making this a safe transition for the patient with COPD.



Part 1: Medication Adherence

Part 1 must include the following:

Two common classes of medications used to manage COPD are bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Why are these medications used to manage COPD?
What are some common side effects of these classes of medications? Which of these side effects would be reported and why? Which side effects would not be reported and why?
Describe any special instructions that would be included with each class of these medications. For example, food-drug interactions and medications that should be avoided.
Which health care discipline, in addition to the RN, is best suited to help with medication adherence? How will this team member collaborate with the RN, the patient and the family to help promote medication adherence and a safe transition to home?
Part 2: Dietary Modifications

Part 2 must include the following:

What is the role of diet in managing COPD? What changes need to be made to the present diet? What role does culture play with diet?
What obstacles might be encountered when informing the patient about the changes in diet?
Which health care discipline, in addition to the RN, is best suited to help with dietary modifications? How will this team member collaborate with the RN, the patient and the family to help promote healthy eating and a safe transition to home?
Part 3: Physical Activity

Part 3 must include the following:

What is the role of physical activity in managing COPD?
How would the RN promote adherence to a daily activity routine?
Which health care discipline(s), in addition to the RN, are best suited to help with physical activity? How will this (these) team member(s) collaborate with the RN, the family and the patient to help promote physical activity and a safe transition home?
Part 4: Conclusion

Part 4 must include the following:

A detailed conclusion that includes an evaluation of the effectiveness of the interdisciplinary team in making a safe transition for the patient with COPD.
Compose your work using a word processor (or other software as appropriate) and save it frequently to your computer. Use a 12 font size, double space your work and use APA format for citations, references, and overall format. Information on how to use the Excelsior College Library to help you research and write your paper is available through the Library Help for AD Nursing Courses page. Assistance with APA format, grammar, and avoiding plagiarism is available for free through the Excelsior College Online Writing Lab (OWL). Be sure to check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors before you submit your assignment.

You are required to submit your paper to Turnitin (a plagiarism prevention service) prior to submitting the paper in the course submission area for grading. Access is provided by email to the email address on record in your MyExcelsior account during week 2 of the term. Once you submit your paper to Turnitin check your inbox in Turnitin for the results. After viewing your originality report correct the areas of your paper that warrant attention. You can re-submit your paper to Turnitin after 24-hours and continue to re-submit until the results are acceptable. Acceptable ranges include a cumulative total of less than 15% for your entire paper, and no particular area greater than 2% (excluding direct quotes and/or references).

See the videos below for instructions on how to submit your paper to Turnitin and view your Originality Report.
Video - Submitting a Paper
Video - Viewing Your Originality Report

When you're ready to submit your work for grading, click Browse My Computer and find your file. Once you've located your file click Open and, if successful, the file name will appear under the Attached files heading. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click Submit and you're done.

This activity will be assessed according to the NUR211 M6A3: Making a Safe Transition Paper Rubric.