Respiratory Acute Discharge (RADS) is an early discharge and hospital avoidance service for patients who have chronic lung disease, particularly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is a service that cares for patients who are experiencing these exacerbations and rarely need hospital care. The treatments are very simple – medications that can be given and monitored at home.
During the pandemic this service became even more important. Outpatients with COPD present at hospitals with breathlessness and respiratory symptoms that mirrors those of Covid-19 and therefore they require isolation, which puts more pressure on bed stock.
With RADS the patients are encouraged to call when they notice a deterioration of respiratory condition.
The Respiratory Acute Discharge (RADS) during COVID
Initiative Type
Model of Care
Status
Deliver
Added
26 August 2021
Last updated
28 March 2024
Summary
Key dates
Jun 2020
Implementation sites
Sunshine Coast HHS
Partnerships
Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Nambour General Hospital, Caloundra Hospital
Aim
RADS aim is always to keep patients who have COPD at home by giving them the tools, education, and support to manage their exacerbations in a timely manner. However, during the pandemic bed availability became essential, and avoiding patients who have respiratory symptoms, requiring isolation was of up-most importance.
Benefits
- bed days saved
- bed availability freed
- recouping of funds
- patient satisfaction is high.
Background
Patients who have COPD are known to have a higher morbidity or mortality risk if they are admitted to hospital with an exacerbation, at any time, not just during a pandemic. Being nursed at home maintains independence and lessons the chance of hospital acquired infection.
The cost benefits are considerable within this model of care.