Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a leading cause of hospital admissions and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Effective management requires timely identification of precipitating factors, optimization of gas exchange, symptom relief, and prevention of recurrence. Nurse-led interventions, including pulmonary rehabilitation, self-management education, and individualized care plans, have demonstrated improvements in patient outcomes. Clinical pathways (CPs) provide standardized, evidence-based, multidisciplinary care plans that guide intervention sequences and expected outcomes. Despite their potential, CPs for AECOPD are underutilized, particularly in Egypt. This study evaluates the effectiveness of CP implementation on clinical outcomes, including length of stay, readmission rates, and patient well-being, in hospitalized AECOPD patients. Findings aim to inform strategies for improving quality of care and promoting patient-focused management in acute COPD settings.
Salma Nabil Mahmoud Dr. Youssef (2025) studied this question.