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