The Effect of Out‐of‐Hospital Extended Care on the Prognosis of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

ABSTRACT Objective Nursing services are crucial for the recovery and prognosis of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study is to evaluate the impact of out‐of‐hospital extended care services on patients with COPD. Methods A total of 67 COPD patients were enroled in this study, divided into a control group and an intervention group. The intervention group was provided with out‐of‐hospital extended care services for 6 months, and at the end of the follow‐up visit, the patients' psychological status, pulmonary function, and exercise endurance were assessed. Results Compared with the control group, patients in the intervention group showed significant improvement in pulmonary function, as reflected in FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, and FEV1/FVC. Meanwhile, after 6 months of extended care services, patients in the intervention group showed significant improvement in exercise endurance, with a significant increase in 6‐min walking distance. In addition, patients in the intervention group experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression after extended care services. Conclusions Extended care service as a new care model can significantly improve the prognosis of COPD patients.