The cornerstone of pharmacological treatment of COPD is represented by bronchodilator and corticosteroid medications delivered by pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Any inhaler device category can be equally effective in treating patients if properly used. However, each device exhibits distinct properties that warrant consideration in achieving successful medication delivery. Errors frequently observed in patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases are incorrect coordination between inspiration and pMDIs activation and insufficient inspiratory effort or wrong device preparation with DPIs. Suboptimal inhaler technique is the prominent reason for the lack of efficacy and can contribute to poor adherence to medications that, in turn, is associated with worsening in disease control, increased rate of exacerbations, increased healthcare resource consumption, and consequently increased healthcare expenditure. Inhaler devices, which may seem simple to use to healthcare providers, frequently present challenges particularly for elderly patients with COPD. The combined effects of co-morbidities, the complexity of the accompanying medication regimens, as well as age- and disease-related lung function decline may add to the complexity of using different inhalers.
Once set up, nebulisers are easier for patients to use than pMDIs or DPIs as they only require tidal respiration for effective drug delivery with, therefore, no need to coordinate inspiration with device activation as for pMDIs, or to require high inspiratory effort as for DPIs. The primary aim of the present study is to assess the effect on inhaler adherence and disease control of switching patients from their portable inhalers (either pMDIs or DPIs) to the Omron C28P nebuliser, as assessed by means of the Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI) questionnaire and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), respectively. The investigators plan to enroll 99 adult outpatients of both genders with a diagnosis of COPD of any functional severity; a sample size of 99 patients was chosen to design the study to have a 80% statistical power of detecting a difference of 2.07 (±1.03 SD) and of 3 (±5 SD) in TAI and CAT score, respectively, after device switching. The study consists of a baseline (T0) and 2 follow-up visits at 8 (T1) and 24 (T2) weeks (±2) after enrolment. On each study visit, after completion of clinical history and measurements of vital parameters, patients will be requested to rate their adherence to inhalers by filling the TAI questionnaire. Impact of COPD on health status and dyspnoea perception will be assessed by measuring the CAT score and the mMRC score. After completion of the above-mentioned procedures, patients will be carefully instructed by trained investigators on the use of the Omron C28P nebuliser. To this end, practical session with the nebuliser and dedicated videos will be used.
