Asthma

Respiratory.Connected Online Educational Series: Session 3

Unravelling the complexities and behavioural aspects of adherence to inhaler therapies in asthma and COPD

In the final event of the Respiratory.Connected series, Professor Celeste Porsbjerg and Dr Anna Murphy discussed the underlying causes of non-adherence and how healthcare professionals can best support their patients to overcome them. Professor Porsbjerg began by outlining the persisting poor clinical outcomes and high disease burden in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).1–5 She highlighted poor adherence as the major cause of suboptimal disease control,6,7 and identified a variety of the complex drivers of non-adherence.8,9 After which, both Professor Porsbjerg and Dr Murphy reflected on their experiences managing poor adherence in clinical practice.

The session continued with Professor Porsbjerg detailing the impact of poor inhaler technique and the difficulties healthcare professionals face when trying to identify technique errors in their patients.10–12 She then introduced the concept of supported self-management as a method of improving quality of life and disease control in patients with asthma.13 Both speakers offered their perspectives on how multi-disciplinary teams can work cohesively to support their patients, including by providing consistent messaging and written management plans.

Respiratory.Connected events are organised and funded by Teva Pharmaceuticals and intended for healthcare professionals only. Views provided by speakers are their own and not necessarily shared by Teva Pharmaceuticals. Information at the events may discuss drug classes where Teva have a product.

Approval code:   RESP-TPE-NP-00383 Date of preparation:  May 2023

References

  1. Braido F, et al. Respir Res 2016;17:5
  2. Exarchos KP, et al. BMC Pulm Med 2022;22:254
  3. Heaney LG, et al. Thorax 2012;67:268–70
  4. Suissa S, et al. N Engl J Med 2000;343:332–6
  5. Vestbo J, et al. Thorax 2009;64:939–43
  6. Murphy AC, et al. Thorax 2012;67:751–3
  7. von Bülow A, et al. Respir Med 2018;145:41–7
  8. Amin S, et al. Patient Prefer Adherence 2020;14:541–51
  9. NICE UK 2009. Clinical Guideline. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg76/evidence/full-guideline-242062957 (accessed May 2023)
  10. Chrystyn H, et al. Respir Med 2019;158:24–32
  11. Price DB, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2017;5:1071–81
  12. Melani AS, et al. Resp Med 2011;105:930–8
  13. Pinnock H, et al. BMC Med 2017;15:64
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