The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a 43.5% reduction in COPD hospitalization rates among Medicare beneficiaries, from 9.05 per 1,000 in 2019 to 5.11 per 1,000 in 2021 (p<0.001).
Observational
Yes
Does the COVID-19 pandemic period reduce COPD hospitalization rates in Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years compared to the pre-pandemic period?
The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an unprecedented 44% decline in COPD hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries, suggesting potential benefits from infection control, telemedicine, and reduced environmental exposures.
Effect estimate: Cohen's d = 2.36
Absolute Event Rate: 5.11% vs 9.05%
p-value: p=<0.001
Abstract Rationale COPD remains a major cause of hospitalization among older adults. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed healthcare utilization patterns. We hypothesized that, understanding temporal changes in COPD hospitalizations during this period would reveal critical insights into respiratory disease management, preventable healthcare utilization and potentially identify protective factors. Methods We analyzed Centers for Medicare 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.36—large effect size). State-level changes ranged from -26.2% (Utah) to -56.3% (Alaska), median -44.0%. Five states achieved 50% reductions (Alaska, Delaware, Nebraska, California, Oregon), while 33 states demonstrated 40-50% reductions. Mean state rate declined from 8.04 to 4.57 per 1,000, representing compression toward lower hospitalization levels. Conclusions This unprecedented 44% decline in COPD hospitalizations during COVID-19 represents a paradoxical improvement during a respiratory pandemic. Potential mechanisms include enhanced infection control (masking, distancing—nearly eliminating influenza circulation), telemedicine expansion improving access to timely management, improved medication adherence, reduced environmental exposures (air pollution, occupational irritants), and behavioral modifications. The sustained reduction through 2021 and universality across all 51 states (large effect size d = 2.36) suggest fundamental shifts in COPD care delivery rather than temporary effects. These findings have profound implications for future respiratory healthcare delivery models. Opportunities exist to maintain lower hospitalization rates through targeted interventions: continued telemedicine integration, enhanced infection prevention education, expanded vaccination access, strengthened outpatient management programs, COPD action plans for patient self-management, and air quality improvement initiatives. Future research must identify specific modifiable factors driving these reductions to develop evidence-based strategies sustaining improved outcomes post-pandemic This abstract is funded by: None
Asante et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in COPD. COVID-19 pandemic period vs. Pre-pandemic period (2019) was evaluated on year-over-year changes in hospitalization rates and geographic variation (Cohen's d = 2.36, p=<0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a 43.5% reduction in COPD hospitalization rates among Medicare beneficiaries, from 9.05 per 1,000 in 2019 to 5.11 per 1,000 in 2021 (p<0.001).