• Imran Sulaiman, Breda Cushen, Garrett Greene, Jansen Seheult, Dexter Seow, Fiona Rawat, Elaine MacHale, Matshediso Mokoka, Catherine Nora Moran, Aoife Sartini Bhreathnach, Philippa MacHale, Shahed Tappuni, Brenda Deering, Mandy Jackson, Hannah McCarthy, Lisa Mellon, Frank Doyle, Fiona Boland, Richard B Reilly, and Richard W Costello.
• 1 Clinical Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital.
• Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2017 May 15; 195 (10): 1333-1343.

RationaleObjective adherence to inhaled therapy by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been reported.ObjectivesTo objectively quantify adherence to preventer Diskus inhaler therapy by patients with COPD with an electronic audio recording device (INCA).MethodsThis 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.Measurements And Main ResultsPatients with COPD (n = 244) were recruited. The mean age was 71 years, mean FEV1 was 1.3 L, and 59% had evidence of mild/moderate cognitive impairment. By combining time of use, interval between doses, and critical technique errors, thus incorporating both intentional and unintentional nonadherence, a measure "actual adherence" was calculated. Mean actual adherence was 22.6% of that expected if the doses were taken correctly and on time. Six percent had an actual adherence greater than 80%. Hierarchical clustering found three equally sized well-separated clusters corresponding to distinct patterns. Cluster 1 (34%) had low inhaler use and high error rates. Cluster 2 (25%) had high inhaler use and high error rates. Cluster 3 (36%) had overall good adherence. Poor lung function and comorbidities were predictive of poor technique, whereas age and cognition with poor lung function distinguished those with poor adherence and frequent errors in technique.ConclusionsThese data may inform clinicians in understanding why a prescribed inhaler is not effective and to devise strategies to promote adherence in COPD.

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