Objective Assessment of Adherence to Inhalers by COPD Patients

Objective Assessment of Adherence to Inhalers by COPD Patients

Rationale: Objective adherence to inhaled therapy by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been reported.

Objectives: To objectively quantify adherence to preventer Diskus inhaler therapy by patients with COPD with an electronic audio recording device (INCA).

Methods: This was a prospective observational study. On discharge from hospital patients were given a salmeterol/fluticasone inhaler with an INCA device attached. Analysis of this audio quantified the frequency and proficiency of inhaler use.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients hospitalised with an exacerbation of COPD
• FEV1/FVC <70% or FEV1 <80%
• Age>40 years
• smoking history
• Previously prescribed fluticasone/salmeterol inhaler

Exclusion Criteria:

• No exacerbations in previous year
• Outpatients