Comparing objective inhaler use among COPD and Asthma populations

Abstract

Introduction: Electronic medication monitors (EMM) passively record inhaler use in patients with asthma and COPD. Continuous medication monitoring can help determine objective trends and patterns of use, which can be used to enhance care. Aim: Compare short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) and controller inhaler use among COPD and asthma patients. Methods: Data from 3,375 adults (≥40 years) who self-reported a diagnosis of COPD (n=1,346) or asthma (n=2,029) was studied. Eligible patients using an EMM-compatible SABA and/or controller inhaler were studied during their first 30 days of use. Comparisons of inhaler use and adherence in COPD and asthma patients were stratified by age (40-59 years, 60+ years) and gender. Results: For patients aged 40-59 years, COPD patients used 55% more SABA than asthma patients (1.97(SD 2.8) vs. 1.27(SD 2.1) puffs/ day; p Conclusion: Patients with COPD demonstrated significantly higher SABA use than patients of similar age with asthma. Patients ≥60 years exhibited higher controller adherence than those 40-59. These data can be used to target interventions for populations with higher rescue use and lower adherence rates.