Personalising adherence-enhancing interventions using a smart inhaler in patients with COPD: an exploratory...

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Health Economics
• Pharmacoeconomics

Background:

• Four inhaler adherence clusters identified in COPD patients using the INCA audio device.
• Previous research established links between adherence clusters, healthcare utilization, and mortality.
• The cost-effectiveness of interventions to improve inhaler adherence remains undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the potential cost-effectiveness of achieving optimal inhaler adherence.
• To model a theoretical shift from suboptimal adherence clusters (2, 3, and 4) to optimal adherence (cluster 1).

Main Methods:

• An established COPD health-economic model was utilized.
• The model was updated with data from the INCA trial and Irish national economic/epidemiological data.
• Cost-effectiveness was evaluated over a 5-year time horizon from an Irish healthcare payer perspective.

Main Results:

• Interventions aimed at improving adherence are projected to yield additional quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) across suboptimal clusters.
• The cost-effectiveness of interventions was most favorable in cluster 3 (irregular use/good technique).
• Potential cost savings of €845 per annum per person were estimated for cluster 3.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing inhaler adherence in COPD patients presents a potentially cost-effective strategy.
• Targeted interventions could lead to improved health outcomes and economic benefits.
• Cluster 3 patients represent a key group for cost-saving adherence interventions.