![]() ![]() Prescription inhaler costs are high and can present significant barriers to maintaining COPD symptom control at a reasonable cost to the healthcare system.Newly updated COPD guidelines offer recommendations on which agents to use based on patient presentation but do not recommend specific inhaler combinations.This retrospective study examined changes in patient-reported symptom scores after changing to a less expensive COPD triple-therapy inhaler regimen. 2019 25(4):201-204Takeaway PointsĪ quality improvement program was implemented to change patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to a less expensive combination of inhalers. ![]() Patients may use triple-therapy inhalers that are most affordable without a significant change in symptom control.Īm J Manag Care. 525).Ĭonclusions: Based on the results of this observational review, changing COPD triple-therapy inhalers did not result in a significant change in patient-reported symptom scores. Symptom scores improved after the change, with an average difference in postchange and prechange CAT scores of -0.84, although this difference was not statistically significant (95% CI, –3.57 to 1.89 P =. The mean (SD) CAT score prior to the change was 15.53 (5.36), and the mean (SD) CAT score after the change was 14.68 (6.98). Results: Of 118 patients included in the quality improvement program, 19 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using a paired t test with an α value of 0.05. The primary outcome was mean difference in CAT score. Then, a retrospective observational case-series analysis of 118 patient charts was completed. Symptoms were assessed at baseline and subsequent follow-up using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), with lower scores representing better symptom control. Patients identified as taking an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β agonist (LABA) inhaler and a long-acting muscarinic agonist (LAMA) inhaler were changed to a LAMA/LABA inhaler and an ICS inhaler. Methods: A quality improvement program was instituted to reduce drug costs associated with COPD inhalers between fall 2016 and spring 2017. Study Design: Retrospective observational case-series analysis. Objectives: To determine if symptoms changed after changing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) triple-therapy inhalers to a less expensive regimen. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |