Burge and Wedzicha classified an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by its need for healthcare resources. The same approach can be used for other conditions as well.
Patient Location
Healthcare Management
Level
home
patient self-management
1
home
physician directed outpatient management with visits to office, clinic or Emergency Department
2
home
hospital at home; home health care with full-time or part-time assistance
3
healthcare facility
general ward
4
healthcare facility
long-term care
5
healthcare facility
intensive care unit
6
where:
• Long-term care in a healthcare facility was added to the original classification of 5 care levels.
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