How improving COPD treatment in primary care could reduce demand on hospitals and emergency departments

Because of the difficulty in managing their care, patients with COPD have hospitalization rates 63 per cent higher than the general population, as well as 85 per cent more emergency department visits and 48 per cent more ambulatory care visits. (Shutterstock)

In Ontario, nearly 900,000 people live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People with this condition account for 24 per cent of hospitalizations, 24 per cent of emergency department visits and 21 per cent of ambulatory care visits.

Because of difficulty in managing care, patients with COPD have hospitalization rates that are 63 per cent higher than the general population, as well as rates of emergency department and ambulatory care visits that are, respectively, 85 per cent and 48 per cent higher than the general population, all of which contribute significant financial costs to Ontario’s health-care system.