Chronic Respiratory Patient Programme – An integrated model of care

<bold>Introduction:</bold> The prevalence of pulmonary diseases is a growing concern. Integrated care centred on the patient's needs urges to be implemented in healthcare systems. Portugal's models of care offer an impaired opportunity to deliver excellent care to the community through local health units. The Chronic Respiratory Patient Programme (CRPP) aims to increase access to the healthcare system, reduce hospital admissions and emergency department visits, reduce symptoms and improve HRQoL of chronic respiratory patients. <bold>Methods:</bold> A quasi-experimental study evaluated a CRPP case management model (e.g., education, self-management training) in 32 COPD patients. Hospital admissions, ED visits, mMRC scores, and CCQ scores were assessed. <bold>Results:</bold> Both mMRC and CCQ instruments found that people improved their symptoms and quality of life-related to COPD. Emergency department visits decreased, with 44 fewer episodes in the 12 months following the program compared to the previous 12 months. Hospital admissions decreased with less than 16 episodes in the same periods under analysis, translating into an average saving of around €29,986.72. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> The case management model was impactful in approaching people with chronic pulmonary disease. In addition to PR programmes, this model makes it possible to optimise access to healthcare, allowing early action to be taken in situations of exacerbation/exacerbation of the chronic disease.