Cost-Related Underuse of Medicines for Asthma-Opportunities for Improving Adherence

Exploring the Association Between Surgical Out-of-Pocket Costs and Healthcare Quality Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Rising out-of-pocket (OOP) costs paid by healthcare consumers can inhibit access to necessary healthcare. Yet, it is unclear if higher OOP payments are associated with better care quality. This study aimed to identify the individual and socio-contextual predictors of OOP costs and to explore the association between OOP costs and quality of care outcomes for 4 surgical procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using data from Medibank Private health insurance members aged ≥18 years who underwent hip replacement, knee replacement, cholecystectomy, and radical prostatectomy during 2015 to 2020 across >300 hospitals in Australia. Healthcare quality outcomes investigated were hospital-acquired complications, unplanned intensive care unit admissions, prolonged length of stay, and readmissions within 28 days. Socio-contextual determinants of OOP costs examined were patient demographics, socioeconomic status, health insurance, and procedure complexity. Generalized linear mixed modeling examined the risk of each outcome, adjusting for covariates and considering patient clustering within surgeons and hospitals.

RESULTS

Patients were more likely to pay OOP costs if they were aged 65 to 74 years compared with aged 18 to 44 years for all 4 surgical procedures. No association between OOP payments and the risk of hospital-acquired complications, intensive care unit admission, or hospital readmission was identified. Patients who paid OOP costs were less likely to have a prolonged length of stay for all 4 procedure types.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher OOP payments were not linked to improved care quality except for shorter hospital stays. Greater transparency on OOP costs is needed to inform consumer decisions.

Medication non-adherence and predictor factors among adult asthmatic patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

A pronounced burden is evident in individuals with asthma, with approximately half of them not adhering to their prescribed medication. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of anti-asthma medications non-adherence in Ethiopia.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Africa Index Medicus, Science Direct, Hinari, and a search engine, Google Scholar from October 5 to 20, 2023. In addition, digital research repositories from Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar University were accessed.

DATA SELECTION

The eligibility criteria was employed to screen studies after uploading search results to EndNote software to remove duplicates first. Then, two investigators, CT and BBT, independently assessed titles, abstracts, and the full text of all retrieved references to identify potentially eligible studies.

RESULT

This meta-analysis, which was conducted in Ethiopia, and included 11 full-text articles, revealed a pooled asthma medication non-adherence level of 51.20% (95% CI 35.20%, 67.20%) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 99.08%). The review has also identified factors predicting non-adherence among asthmatic patients: free (health service) (AOR: 0.31, 95% CI 0.18-0.54), poor knowledge (AOR: 2.85, 95% CI 1.61-5.05), absence of formal education (AOR: 3.01, 95% CI 1.72-5.25), history of previous ADR (AOR: 8.57, 95% CI 1.12-65.3), and the presence of Co- morbidity(AOR: 3.28, 95% CI 2.014-5.68), had shown association with asthma medication non-adherence.

CONCLUSION

Asthma medication non-adherence is notably high in Ethiopia. Addressing medication non-adherence requires a comprehensive approach, including clear communication between healthcare providers, patient education, and addressing financial barriers to ensure better adherence in asthma patients.

The Association Between Short-Acting β2-Agonist Over-Prescription, and Patient-Reported Acquisition and Use on Asthma Control and Exacerbations: Data from Australia

INTRODUCTION

In Australia, short-acting β2-agonists (SABA) are available both over the counter (OTC) and on prescription. This ease of access may impact SABA use in the Australian population. Our aim was to assess patterns and outcome associations of prescribed, acquired OTC and reported use of SABA by Australians with asthma.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study, using data derived from primary care electronic medical records (EMRs) and patient completed questionnaires within Optimum Patient Care Research Database Australia (OPCRDA). A total of 720 individuals aged ≥ 12 years with an asthma diagnosis in their EMRs and receiving asthma therapy were included. The annual number of SABA inhalers authorised on prescription, acquired OTC and reported, and the association with self-reported exacerbations and asthma control were investigated.

RESULTS

92.9% (n = 380/409) of individuals issued with SABA prescription were authorised ≥ 3 inhalers annually, although this differed from self-reported usage. Of individuals reporting SABA use (n = 546) in the last 12 months, 37.0% reported using ≥ 3 inhalers. These patients who reported SABA overuse experienced 2.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73-3.70) times more severe exacerbations and were 4.51 times (95% CI 3.13-6.55) more likely to have poor asthma control than those who reported using 1-2 SABA inhalers. Patients who did not receive SABA on prescription (43.2%; n = 311/720) also experienced 2.71 (95% CI 1.07-7.26) times more severe exacerbations than those prescribed 1-2 inhalers. Of these patients, 38.9% reported using OTC SABA and other prescription medications, 26.4% reported using SABA OTC as their only asthma medication, 13.2% were prescribed other therapies but not SABA OTC and 14.5% were not using any medication.

CONCLUSION

Both self-reported SABA overuse and zero SABA prescriptions were associated with poor asthma outcomes. The disconnect between prescribing authorisation, OTC availability and actual use, make it difficult for clinicians to quantify SABA use.

Effectiveness of a Maintenance and Reliever Digihaler System in Asthma: 24-Week Randomized Study (CONNECT2)

BACKGROUND

Digital health tools have been shown to help address challenges in asthma control, including inhaler technique, treatment adherence, and short-acting β2-agonist overuse. The maintenance and reliever Digihaler System (DS) comprises 2 Digihaler inhalers (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol and albuterol) with an associated patient App and web-based Dashboard. Clinicians can review patients' inhaler use and Digihaler inhalation parameter data to support clinical decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

CONNECT2 evaluated asthma control in participants using the DS versus standard-of-care (SoC) maintenance and reliever inhalers.

METHODS

Participants (13 years or older) with uncontrolled asthma (Asthma Control Test [ACT] score <19) were randomized 4:3 (open-label) to the DS (n = 210) or SoC (n = 181) for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving well-controlled asthma (ie, an ACT score ≥20 or increase from baseline of ≥3 units at week 24).

RESULTS

There was an 88.7% probability that participants using the DS would have greater odds of achieving improvement in asthma control compared with SoC after 24 weeks. The mean odds ratio (95% credible interval) for DS versus SoC was 1.35 (0.846-2.038), indicating a 35% higher odds of improved asthma control with the DS. The DS group had more clinician-participant interactions versus SoC, mainly addressing a poor inhaler technique. DS participants' maintenance treatment adherence was good (month 1: 79.2%; month 6: 68.6%); reliever use decreased by 38.2% versus baseline. App and Dashboard usability was rated "good."

CONCLUSION

The positive results in asthma control in this study after 24 weeks demonstrate the effectiveness of the DS in asthma management.

Advances in Aerogels Formulations for Pulmonary Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Agents: Safety, Efficacy and Regulatory Aspects

Aerogels are the 3D network of organic, inorganic, composite, layered, or hybrid-type materials that are used to increase the solubility of Class 1 (low solubility and high permeability) and Class 4 (poor solubility and low permeability) molecules. This approach improves systemic drug absorption due to the alveoli's broad surface area, thin epithelial layer, and high vascularization. Local therapies are more effective and have fewer side effects than systemic distribution because inhalation treatment targets the specific location and raises drug concentration in the lungs. The present manuscript aims to explore various aspects of aerogel formulations for pulmonary targeted delivery of active pharmaceutical agents. The manuscript also discusses the safety, efficacy, and regulatory aspects of aerogel formulations. According to projections, the global respiratory drug market is growing 4-6% annually, with short-term development potential. The proliferation of literature on pulmonary medicine delivery, especially in recent years, shows increased interest. Aerogels come in various technologies and compositions, but any aerogel used in a biological system must be constructed of a material that is biocompatible and, ideally, biodegradable. Aerogels are made via "supercritical processing". After many liquid phase iterations using organic solvents, supercritical extraction, and drying are performed. Moreover, the sol-gel polymerization process makes inorganic aerogels from TMOS or TEOS, the less hazardous silane. The resulting aerogels were shown to be mostly loaded with pharmaceutically active chemicals, such as furosemide-sodium, penbutolol-hemisulfate, and methylprednisolone. For biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, biosensors, and diagnostics, these aerogels have mostly been researched. Although aerogels are made of many different materials and methods, any aerogel utilized in a biological system needs to be made of a substance that is both biocompatible and, preferably, biodegradable. In conclusion, aerogel-based pulmonary drug delivery systems can be used in biomedicine and non-biomedicine applications for improved sustainability, mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. This covers scaffolds, aerogels, and nanoparticles. Furthermore, biopolymers have been described, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and MXenes. A safety regulatory database is necessary to offer direction on the commercialization potential of aerogelbased formulations. After that, enormous efforts are discovered to be performed to synthesize an effective aerogel, particularly to shorten the drying period, which ultimately modifies the efficacy. As a result, there is an urgent need to enhance the performance going forward.

The emerging role of digital health in the management of asthma

The most common reasons seen for lack of asthma control include misconceptions about disease control, low controller treatment adherence, poor inhaler technique, and the resulting underuse of controllers and overuse of short-acting beta2 agonists (SABAs). Narrowing these care gaps may be achieved through well-designed patient education that considers the patient's motivation, beliefs, and capabilities regarding their asthma and its management and empowers the patient to become an active participant in treatment decisions. Digital health technologies (DHTs) and digital therapeutic (DT) devices provide new opportunities to monitor treatment behaviors, improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, and generate data that inform educational interactions. DHT and DT have been proven effective in enhancing patient self-management in other chronic conditions, particularly diabetes. Accelerated integration of DHT and DT into the management of asthma patients is facilitated by the use of digital inhalers that employ sensor technology ("smart" inhalers). These devices efficiently provide real-time feedback on controller adherence, SABA use, and inhaler technique that have the strong potential to optimize asthma control.

Expert Consensus on SABA Use for Asthma Clinical Decision-Making: A Delphi Approach

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A modified Delphi process was undertaken to provide a US expert-led consensus to guide clinical action on short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) use. This comprised an online survey (Phase 1), forum discussion and statement development (Phase 2), and statement adjudication (Phase 3).

RECENT FINDINGS

In Phase 1 (n = 100 clinicians), 12% routinely provided patients with ≥4 SABA prescriptions/year, 73% solicited SABA use frequency at every patient visit, and 21% did not consult asthma guidelines/expert reports. Phase 3 experts (n = 8) reached consensus (median Likert score, interquartile range) that use of ≥3 SABA canisters/year is associated with increased risk of exacerbation and asthma-related death (5, 4.75-5); SABA use history should be solicited at every patient visit (5, 4.75-5); usage patterns over time, not absolute thresholds, should guide response to SABA overuse (5, 4.5-5). Future asthma guidelines should include clear recommendations regarding SABA usage, using expert-led thresholds for action.

Cost-related medication nonadherence in US adults with asthma: The National Health Interview Survey, 2013-2020

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a chronic disease that needs long-term control for secondary prevention. Health-related expenditures resulting from asthma are rising in the United States, and medication nonadherence is associated with adverse health outcomes in patients with asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence and risk factors of cost-related medication nonadherence (CRN) in individuals with asthma in the United States.

METHODS

We identified patients aged above or equal to 18 years with a history of asthma in nationally representative cross-sectional data, the National Health Interview Survey 2013 to 2020. Participants were considered to have experienced CRN if at any time in the 12 months they reported skipping doses, taking less medication, or delaying filling a prescription to save money. The weighted prevalence of CRN was estimated overall and by subgroups. Logistic regression was used to identify CRN-related characteristics.

RESULTS

Of the 26,539 National Health Interview Survey participants with a history of asthma, 4360 (15.77%; representing 3.92 million of the US population) reported CRN, with 10.12% (weighted 2.51 million) of patients skipping doses to save money, 10.82% (weighted 2.69 million) taking less medication to save money, and 13.35% (weighted 3.31 million) delaying filling a prescription to save money. The subgroups young, women, low income, no health insurance, currently smoking, and with comorbidities had a higher prevalence of CRN. The results of this sensitivity analysis did not differ from the overall results.

CONCLUSION

In the United States, 1 in 6 adults with a history of asthma is nonadherence with medications due to costs. Removing financial barriers to accessing medication can improve medication adherence in patients with asthma.

Clinical inertia in asthma

Despite advances in pharmaceutical treatment in recent years, a relatively high proportion of patients with asthma do not have adequate asthma control, causing chronic disability, poor quality of life, and multiple emergency department visits and hospitalizations. A multifaceted approach is needed to overcome the problems with managing asthma, and clinical inertia (CI) is a crucial concept to assist with this approach. It divides clinical inertia into three main categories, which include healthcare provider-related, patient-related, and healthcare system-related CI. The strategies to overcome these CI are complex, and the M-GAP approach, which combines a multidisciplinary approach, dissemination of guidelines, utilization of applications, and development and promotion of low-cost prescriptions, will help clinicians.

European Respiratory Society short guidelines for the use of as-needed ICS/formoterol in mild asthma

Recent clinical trials of as-needed fixed-dose combination of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/formoterol have provided new evidence that may warrant a reconsideration of current practice. A Task Force was set up by the European Respiratory Society to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of as-needed ICS/formoterol as treatment for mild asthma. The Task Force defined two questions that were assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. The Task Force utilised the outcomes to develop recommendations for a pragmatic guideline for everyday clinical practice. The Task Force suggests that adults with mild asthma use as-needed ICS/formoterol instead of regular ICS maintenance treatment plus as-needed short-acting β2-antagonist (SABA) and that adolescents with mild asthma use either as-needed ICS/formoterol or ICS maintenance treatment plus as-needed SABA (conditional recommendation; low certainty of evidence). The recommendation for adults places a relatively higher value on the reduction of systemic corticosteroid use and the outcomes related to exacerbations, and a relatively lower value on the small differences in asthma control. Either treatment option is suggested for adolescent patients as the balance is very close and data more limited. The Task Force recommends that adult and adolescent patients with mild asthma use as-needed ICS/formoterol instead of as-needed SABA (strong recommendation; low certainty of evidence). This recommendation is based on the benefit of as-needed ICS/formoterol in mild asthma on several outcomes and the risks related to as-needed SABA in the absence of anti-inflammatory treatment. The implementation of this recommendation is hampered in countries (including European Union countries) where as-needed ICS/formoterol is not approved for mild asthma.

Is there an association between out-of-pocket hospital costs, quality and care outcomes? A systematic review of contemporary evidence

BACKGROUND

Out of pocket (OOP) costs vary substantially by health condition, procedure, provider, and service location. Evidence of whether this variation is associated with indicators of healthcare quality and/or health outcomes is lacking.

METHODS

The current review aimed to explore whether higher OOP costs translate into better healthcare quality and outcomes for patients in inpatient settings. The review also aimed to identify the population and contextual-level determinants of inpatient out-of-pocket costs. A systematic electronic search of five databases: Scopus, Medline, Psych Info, CINAHL and Embase was conducted between January 2000 to October 2022. Study procedures and reporting complied with PRISMA guidelines. The protocol is available at PROSPERO (CRD42022320763).

FINDINGS

A total of nine studies were included in the final review. A variety of quality and health outcomes were examined in the included studies across a range of patient groups and specialities. The scant evidence available and substantial heterogeneity created challenges in establishing the nature of association between OOP costs and healthcare quality and outcomes. Nonetheless, the most consistent finding was no significant association between OOP cost and inpatient quality of care and outcomes.

INTERPRETATION

The review findings overall suggest no beneficial effect of higher OOP costs on inpatient quality of care and health outcomes. Further work is needed to elucidate the determinants of OOP hospital costs.

FUNDING

This study was funded by Medibank Better Health Foundation.

The rising cost of rhinologic medications

BACKGROUND

The high prescription drug cost in the United States may negatively affect patient prognosis and treatment compliance.

OBJECTIVE

To fill the knowledge gap and inform clinicians regarding rhinology medications price changes by evaluating trends in price changes of highly used nasal sprays and allergy medications.

METHODS

The 2014-2020 Medicaid National Average Drug Acquisition Cost database was queried for drug pricing information for the following classes of medications: intranasal corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, antileukotrienes, intranasal antihistamines, and intranasal anticholinergics. Individual medications were identified by Food and Drug Administration-assigned National Drug Codes. Per unit, drug prices were analyzed for average annual prices, average annual percentage price changes, and inflation-adjusted annual and composite percentage price changes.

RESULTS

Beclometasone (Beconase AQ, 56.7%, QNASL, 77.5%), flunisolide (Nasalide, -14.6%), budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, -1.2%), fluticasone (Flonase, -6.8%, Xhance, 11.7%), mometasone (Nasonex, 38.2%), ciclesonide (Omnaris, 73.8%), combination azelastine and fluticasone (Dymista, 27.3%), loratadine (Claritin, -20.5%), montelukast (Singulair, 14.5%), azelastine (Astepro, 21.9%), olopatadine (Patanase, 27.3%), and ipratropium bromide (Atrovent, 56.6%) had an overall change in inflation-adjusted per unit cost between 2014 and 2020 (% change). Of 14 drugs evaluated, 10 had an increase in inflation-adjusted prices, for an average increase of 42.06% ± 22.27%; 4 of 14 drugs had a decrease in inflation-adjusted prices, for an average decrease of 10.78% ± 7.36%.

CONCLUSION

The rising cost of highly used medications contributes to increased patient acquisition costs and may pose barriers of drug adherence to particularly vulnerable populations.

Evaluating dry powder inhalers: From in vitro studies to mobile health technologies

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are essential in treating patients with pulmonary diseases. Since DPIs were introduced in the 1960s, a remarkable improvement has been made in their technology, dose delivery, efficiency, reproducibility, stability, and performance based on safety and efficacy. While there are many DPIs on the market and several more under development, it is vital to evaluate the performance of DPIs for effective aerosol drug delivery to patients with respiratory disorders. Their performance evaluation includes particle size, metering system, device design, dose preparation, inhalation technique, and patient-device integration. The purpose of this paper is to review current literature evaluating DPIs through in vitro studies, computational fluid models, and in vivo/clinical studies. We will also explain how mobile health applications are used to monitor and evaluate patients' adherence to prescribed medications.

Diagnosis and treatment of adult asthma patients in Serbia: a 2022 experts group position statement

INTRODUCTION

Asthma is the most common non-communicable chronic lung condition across all ages. Epidemiological data indicate that many asthma patients in Serbia remain undiagnosed and untreated. The implementation of recent global advances in asthma management is limited due to the lack of a systematic approach, drug availability and regulatory affairs. In addition, the global coronavirus disease pandemic has posed a significant challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings.

AREAS COVERED

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for treating adult asthma patients in Serbia. We performed PubMed database search on published asthma clinical trials and guidelines from 1 January 2015 to 10 March 2020. The consensus process incorporated a modified Delphi method that included two rounds of e-mail questionnaires and three rounds of national asthma expert meetings. We focus on 1) objective diagnosis of asthma, 2) the implementation of up-to-date therapeutic options, and 3) the identification and referral of severe asthma patients to newly established severe asthma centers.

EXPERT OPINION

Regional specificities and variations in healthcare systems require the adaptation of evidence-based knowledge. Practical, clinically oriented algorithms designed to overcome local barriers in healthcare delivery may facilitate timely and adequate asthma diagnosis and the local implementation of current advances in asthma management.

Investigational approaches for unmet need in severe asthma

INTRODUCTION

Molecular antibodies (mAb) targeting inflammatory mediators are effective in T2-high asthma. The recent approval of Tezepelumab presents a novel mAb therapeutic option to those with T2-low asthma.

AREAS COVERED

We discuss a number of clinical problems pertinent to severe asthma which are less responsive to current therapies, such as persistent airflow obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness. We discuss selected investigational approaches, including a number of candidate therapies under investigation in two adaptive platform trials currently in progress, with particular reference to this unmet need, as well as their potential in phenotypes such as neutrophilic asthma and obese asthma, which may or may not overlap with a T2-high phenotype.

EXPERT OPINION

The application of discrete targeting approaches to T2-low molecular phenotypes, including those phenotypes in which inflammation may not arise within the airway, has yielded variable results to date. Endotypes associated with T2-low asthma are likely to be diverse but await validation. Investigational therapeutic approaches must, likewise, be diverse if the goal of remission is to become attainable for all those living with asthma.

Assessing adherence to inhaled therapies in asthma and the emergence of electronic monitoring devices

Infrequent use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and/or over-reliance of short-acting β-agonists (SABA) are recognised as key contributors to increased morbidity and mortality in asthma. The most frequent measures of ICS adherence and SABA use rely on patient-reported questionnaires or prescription refill records, neither of which are considered sufficiently reliable. Technological advancements in the development of electronic monitoring of inhaler devices allow for monitoring of use, as well as recording of and feedback on inhaler technique for some devices. Most electronic monitoring devices (EMDs) are paired with a smartphone application, allowing patients to set reminders and display both preventer and reliever use over time. This allows identification of intentional and unintentional ICS non-adherence as well as frequency of SABA use. This information assists clinicians in distinguishing difficult-to-control from severe asthma. Although additional evidence is required to assess the impact of EMDs on clinical outcome measures such as exacerbation rate, the introduction of EMDs into the asthma armoury is a significant step forward in asthma care with the potential to improve asthma-related outcomes.

Improving Medication Adherence in Asthma

In little over a generation, the ingenuity of scientists and clinician researchers has developed inhaled medications and pathway-specific biological agents that control the inflammation and physiology of asthma. Unfortunately, whether it is because of cost or difficulty understanding why or how to use inhaled medications, patients often do not take these medications. The consequences of poor treatment adherence, loss of control and exacerbations, are the same as if the condition remained untreated. Furthermore, poor adherence is difficult to detect without direct measurement. Together this means that poor treatment adherence is easily overlooked and, instead of addressing the cause of poor adherence, additional medicines may be prescribed. In other words, poor treatment adherence is a risk for the patient and adds cost to healthcare systems. In this article, we discuss the rationale for and the delivery of successful interventions to improve medication adherence in asthma. We contextualize these interventions by describing the causes of poor treatment adherence and how adherence is assessed. Finally, future perspectives on the design of new interventions are described.

Medication availability and economic barriers to adherence in asthma and COPD patients in low-resource settings

Inhaled medication is essential to control asthma and COPD, but availability and proper adherence are challenges in low-middle income countries (LMIC). Data on medication availability and adherence in Central Asia are lacking. We aimed to investigate the availability of respiratory medication and the extent of financially driven non-adherence in patients with COPD and asthma in Kyrgyzstan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two regions of Kyrgyzstan. Patients with a physician- and spirometry confirmed diagnosis of asthma and/or COPD were included. The main outcomes were (1) availability of respiratory medication in hospitals and pharmacies, assessed by a survey, and (2) medication adherence, assessed by the Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI). Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors for adherence. Of the 300 participants (COPD: 264; asthma: 36), 68.9% were buying respiratory medication out-of-pocket. Of all patients visiting the hospital, almost half reported medication not being available. In pharmacies, this was 8%. Poor adherence prevailed over intermediate and good adherence (80.7% vs. 12.0% and 7.3%, respectively). Deliberate and erratic non-adherence behavior patterns were the most frequent (89.7% and 88.0%), followed by an unconscious non-adherent behavioral pattern (31.3%). In total, 68.3% reported a financial reason as a barrier to proper adherence. Low BMI was the only factor significantly associated with good adherence. In this LMIC population, poor medication availability was common and 80% were poorly adherent. Erratic and deliberate non-adherent behaviors were the most common pattern and financial barriers play a role in over two-thirds of the population.

Characteristics and treatment patterns of patients with asthma on multiple-inhaler triple therapy in Spain

The aim of this observational, retrospective study was to describe characteristics, treatment patterns, and adherence among patients with asthma who initiated multiple-inhaler triple therapy (MITT) in Catalonia, Spain. This study used data of patients initiating MITT in 2016 from the SIDIAP (Information System for Research in Primary Care) database, which covers ~80% of the Catalonian population (5.8 million). Of 1,204 patients initiating MITT, 361 (30.0%) stepped down (discontinued ≥ 1 and continued ≥1 MITT component) and 89 (7.4%) stopped all three components of MITT for a period of 60 days during the following 12 months. In the follow-up period, 196 (16.3%) patients were considered adherent to MITT (>0.8 proportion of days covered [PDC]), with a mean (standard deviation) PDC of 0.52 (0.51) days. Given the low adherence and substantial rates of step down/discontinuation among patients initiating MITT, there is an urgent need to implement strategies to improve treatment adherence/persistence.

Medication Cost-Savings and Utilization of Generic Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS) and Long-Acting Beta-Agonist (LABA) Drug Products in the USA

BACKGROUND

In the USA, drug costs associated with the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long acting β agonist (LABA) combination products have been increasing since 2001. In January 2019, the first generic ICS/LABA drug product was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

METHODS

We investigated retrospectively the effects of the first approved generic ICS/LABA drug from 2019 to 2020 on the wholesale cost-savings and prescription dispensing using the IQVIA data system in the USA.

RESULTS

The marketing of the first generic for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate dry powder inhaler was associated with $941 million in drug cost-savings during the first year for this class of medications. Although the brand-name drug manufacturer concurrently introduced its authorized generic, these cost-savings were driven by the averaged unit cost of the approved generic at $115, compared to $169 for the authorized generic and $334 for the branded product. Generic initiation and substitution with the first generic were, respectively, higher compared to those with authorized generics; however, overall dispensing of the first generic was lower than that of its branded product. As in the case of budesonide and formoterol fumarate dry powder inhaler, marketing of authorized generics alone was not associated with any noticeable change in sales or prescription cost-saving.

CONCLUSION

We estimated that more than 20% of prescription cost-saving was achieved for the ICS/LABA dry powder inhalers in the first year following the introduction of the first approved generic, even though generic utilization remained lower than that of the branded counterpart.

The lived experience of adherence to asthma medication in young adults (18-34 years)

BACKGROUND

Adherence to asthma medications is commonly poor and is the primary cause for anticipated worsening health outcomes for patients with asthma. Worldwide, qualitative investigations that examine the adherence of young adults (18-34 years) to their asthma medication are limited.

METHOD

This study used a phenomenological research approach to explicate the experience of asthma medication adherence as described by young adults. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth video interviews conducted with participants aged between 18 and 34 years to elicit their lived experience with adherence to asthma medication. Data from the interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the Edward and Welch (1) extension of Colaizzi's approach to phenomenology.

RESULTS

Results yielded four main themes related to the phenomenon of adherence that emerged from the analysis. The themes were: Having a plan; Having knowledge about your medication and asthma triggers; Being responsible with asthma medication; and Health belief.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings, for young people adhering to asthma medication is a process that depends on four vital aspects: (A) plan, (B) knowledge, (C) responsibility, and (D) belief. If young adults with asthma received individualized written asthma plans and have adequate knowledge about this plan, developing the correct health belief is likely to result. Hence, this can lead to a greater responsibility to manage their asthma to the recommended adherence level.

Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Adult Patients with Asthma: A Population-Based Cohort Study from UK Primary Care

Introduction

Asthma morbidity and health-care utilization are known to exhibit a steep socioeconomic gradient. Further investigation into the modulators of this effect is required to identify potentially modifiable factors.

Methods

We identified a cohort of patients with asthma from the Optimum Patient Care Research Database (OPCRD). We compared demographics, clinical variables, and health-care utilization by quintile of the UK 2011 Indices of Multiple Deprivation based on the location of the patients’ general practice. Multivariable analyses were conducted using generalized linear models adjusting for year, age, and sex. We conducted subgroup analyses and interaction tests to investigate the impact of deprivation by age, sex, ethnicity, and treatment step.

Results

Our analysis included 127,040 patients with asthma. Patients from the most deprived socio-economic status (SES) quintile were more likely to report uncontrolled disease (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.05) and to have an exacerbation during follow-up (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.42) than the least deprived quintile. They had higher blood eosinophils (ratio: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.06) and decreased peak flow (ratio: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.97) when compared to those in the least deprived quintile. The effect of deprivation on asthma control was greater among those aged over 75 years (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.73) compared to those aged less than 35 years (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.74; p_interaction=0.019). Similarly, socioeconomic disparities in exacerbations were larger among those from ethnic minority groups (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.40, 2.68) than white patients (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.39; p_interaction=0.012).

Conclusion

We found worse disease control and increased exacerbation rates among patients with asthma from more deprived areas. There was evidence that the magnitude of socioeconomic disparities was elevated among older patients and those from ethnic minority groups. The drivers of these differences require further exploration.

Personalized Medication Adherence Management in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Review of Effective Interventions and Development of a Practical Adherence Toolkit

BACKGROUND

The management of medication nonadherence of patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains challenging. Given the multitude of underlying causes, a personalized approach is required. The Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI) can identify reasons for nonadherence, but it does not provide guidance regarding how to act effectively after results.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a practical, evidence-based decision support toolkit for health care professionals managing adult patients with asthma and/or COPD, by matching TAI-identified adherence barriers to proven effective adherence-enhancing interventions.

METHODS

We performed a literature review in PubMed and Embase identifying interventions that enhanced medication adherence in adult patients with asthma and/or COPD. Randomized controlled trials published in English with full texts available were included. Effective interventions assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool were categorized, matched with specific TAI responses, and developed into a practical TAI Toolkit. The Toolkit was assessed for content and usability (System Usability Scale) by a multidisciplinary group of health care professionals.

RESULTS

In total, 40 randomized controlled trials were included in the review. Seven effective interventions categories were identified, informing the TAI Toolkit: reminders, educational interventions, motivational strategies, feedback on medication use, shared decision-making, simplifying the medication regimen, and multiple component interventions. Health care professionals rated the TAI Toolkit with a mean System Usability Scale score of 71.4 (range, 57.5-80.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence can be improved using the different interventions that the TAI Toolkit helps select. The TAI Toolkit was well-received by health care professionals. Further research is required to test its validity, practicality, and effectiveness in practice.

Severe asthma assessment, management and the organisation of care in Australia and New Zealand: expert forum roundtable meetings

Severe asthma imposes a significant burden on individuals, families and the healthcare system. Treatment is complex, due to disease heterogeneity, comorbidities and complexity in care pathways. New approaches and treatments improve health outcomes for people with severe asthma. However, emerging multidimensional and targeted treatment strategies require a reorganisation of asthma care. Consensus is required on how reorganisation should occur and what areas require further research. The Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma convened three forums between 2015 and 2018, hosting experts from Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The forums were complemented by a survey of clinicians involved in the management of people with severe asthma. We sought to: (i) identify areas of consensus among experts; (ii) define activities and resources required for the implementation of findings into practice; and (iii) identify specific priority areas for future research. Discussions identified areas of unmet need including assessment and diagnosis of severe asthma, models of care and treatment pathways, add-on treatment approaches and patient perspectives. We recommend development of education and training activities, clinical resources and standards of care documents, increased stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns and improved access to infrastructure and funding. Further, we propose specific future research to inform clinical decision-making and develop novel therapies. A concerted effort is required from all stakeholders (including patients, healthcare professionals and organisations and government) to integrate new evidence-based practices into clinical care and to advance research to resolve questions relevant to improving outcomes for people with severe asthma.

Inhaled Corticosteroid-Containing Regimens Reduce Hospitalizations and Healthcare Costs among Elderly Asthmatics: Real-World Validation Using the National Health Insurance Claims Database

The high rates of mortality and hospitalization among elderly asthmatics, as well as their increasing healthcare costs have become an important public health issue. It would be worthwhile to assess whether inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) can resolve these problems. To explore ICS prescription rates for elderly asthmatics and the factors influencing them and to investigate their association with hospitalization and healthcare costs, we analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Claims Database for the same time frame (December 1 to February 28) across three different periods (2011-2012; 2014-2015; and 2017-2018), from which we identified 6,619, 5,619, and 6,880 elderly individuals, respectively. The prescription rates of ICS increased (52.8%, 65.5% and 68.8%, in the first, second and third survey period, respectively) and inversely the hospital admission rates declined (3.7%, 3.2% and 2.5%, in the first, second and third survey period, respectively). The total healthcare costs per month were significantly lower for patients who received ICS-containing regimens than for those who did not. A multivariate analysis revealed that increasing age, rural residence, receiving a prescription from a clinic, hospital admission, and prescription of asthma medications other than ICS were associated with non-prescription of ICS, whereas cross-boundary treatment increased the ICS-prescription rate. Our study suggests that increases in the prescription rate of ICS are associated with reduced hospital admission rates and lower medical costs in the real-world. ICS prescription rates in rural areas and at clinics, which remain low, need to be increased.

Dry Powder for Pulmonary Delivery: A Comprehensive Review

The pulmonary route has long been used for drug administration for both local and systemic treatment. It possesses several advantages, which can be categorized into physiological, i.e., large surface area, thin epithelial membrane, highly vascularized, limited enzymatic activity, and patient convenience, i.e., non-invasive, self-administration over oral and systemic routes of drug administration. However, the formulation of dry powder for pulmonary delivery is often challenging due to restrictions on aerodynamic size and the lung’s lower tolerance capacity in comparison with an oral route of drug administration. Various physicochemical properties of dry powder play a major role in the aerosolization, deposition, and clearance along the respiratory tract. To prepare suitable particles with optimal physicochemical properties for inhalation, various manufacturing methods have been established. The most frequently used industrial methods are milling and spray-drying, while several other alternative methods such as spray-freeze-drying, supercritical fluid, non-wetting templates, inkjet-printing, thin-film freezing, and hot-melt extrusion methods are also utilized. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the respiratory tract structure, particle deposition patterns, and possible drug-clearance mechanisms from the lungs. This review also includes the physicochemical properties of dry powder, various techniques used for the preparation of dry powders, and factors affecting the clinical efficacy, as well as various challenges that need to be addressed in the future.

Switching Inhalers: A Practical Approach to Keep on UR RADAR

The choice of an inhaler device is often as important as the medication put in it to achieve optimal outcomes for our patients with asthma and/or COPD. With a multitude of drug–device combinations available, optimization of respiratory treatment could well be established by switching devices rather than changing or even augmenting pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapies. Importantly, while notable between-device differences in release mechanism, particle size, drug deposition and required inspiratory flow exist, a patient uncomfortable with their device is unlikely to use it regularly and certainly will not use it properly. Switching requires a careful process and should not be done without patient consent. Switching devices entails several steps that need to be considered, which can be guided using the UR-RADAR mnemonic. It starts with (i) UncontRolled asthma/COPD (or UnaffoRdable device), followed by RADAR: (ii) review the patient’s condition (e.g. diagnosis, phenotype, co-morbidities) and address reasons for suboptimal control (e.g. triggers, smoking, non-adherence, poor inhaler technique) to be ruled out before switching; (iii) assess patient’s skills related to inhalation (e.g. inspiratory force); (iv) discuss inhaler switch options, patient preferences (e.g. size, daily regimen) and treatment goals; (v) allow patients input and use shared decision-making to decide final treatment choice, acknowledging individual patient skills, preferences and goals; and (vi) re-educate to the new device (at minimum, physical demonstration, verbal explanation and patient repetition, both verbally and physically) and prime the patient for the follow-up (i.e. explain the future patient journey, including multidisciplinary work flows with physicians, nurses and pharmacists).

What can be done to impact respiratory inhaler misuse: exploring the problem, reasons, and solutions

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory inhalers, when used correctly, provide critical treatments for managing pulmonary conditions. However, many patients misuse inhalers, negatively affecting disease control, quality of life, healthcare utilization, and costs. Numerous factors are associated with misuse and are nested within four levels of influence: individual, interpersonal, organizational/institutional, and policy.

AREAS COVERED

This review analyzed published literature and identified the most salient factors at each socio-ecological framework level. English language articles from any year were identified from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase databases. Misuse exists across clinical settings, patient populations, and device types. Several potential solutions are highlighted. Published interventions to improve inhaler technique have utilized handouts, in-person, virtual, and biofeedback approaches both inside and outside of healthcare settings with varied effectiveness. However, some interventions have superior effectiveness for improving technique and reducing acute care utilization.

EXPERT OPINION

To robustly address inhaler misuse, future solutions should focus on multi-level approaches to account for the myriad of factors contributing to inhaler misuse. Solutions should also streamline inhaler equipment, identify innovative technology-based solutions, support collaborations across healthcare and non-healthcare settings, and ensure reimbursement to healthcare professionals for inhaler education. Rigorous research studies must be funded and supported to identify and disseminate solutions.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice 2019 Highlights

This article provides highlights of the clinically impactful original studies and reviews published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice in 2019 on the subjects of anaphylaxis, asthma, dermatitis, drug allergy, food allergy, immunodeficiency, immunotherapy, rhinitis/sinusitis, and urticaria/angioedema/mast cell disorders. Within each topic, practical aspects of diagnosis and management are emphasized. Treatments discussed include lifestyle modifications, allergen avoidance therapy, positive and negative effects of pharmacologic therapy, and various forms of immunologic and desensitization management. We designed this review to help readers consolidate and use this extensive and practical knowledge for the benefit of their patients.

Cost-related nonadherence to medicines in people with multiple chronic conditions

BACKGROUND

Multimorbidity is common and frequently associated with medicine nonadherence. Although cost is a common reason for nonadherence, very little research has quantified cost-related nonadherence (CRNA) to medicines specifically in people with multimorbidity, the prevalence of CRNA for different conditions nor the impact of cost when prioritising treatment between conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent of CRNA in people with multimorbidity and the patient characteristics associated with these behaviours.

DESIGN AND SETTING

People reporting two or more chronic conditions responding to a rapid response module regarding prescription drug affordability fielded between January 1 and June 30 2016 in the Canadian Community Health Survey, a cross-sectional household survey.

METHODS

Ordinal logistic regression, adjusted for key sociodemographic, clinical and treatment related variables, of weighted population estimates of self-reported CRNA within one group of conditions, across multiple groups of conditions, or no CRNA.

RESULTS

10.2% of 8420 Canadians with multimorbidity reported CRNA. The majority (61%) reported CRNA within one group of conditions, especially respiratory (16%) and mental health disorders (17%). CRNA was more common in younger adults, people without employer or association drug insurance plans, poorer health status, more chronic conditions, and increased out-of-pocket prescription costs. Having no prescription insurance was associated with a higher probability of CRNA across multiple groups of conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

People with multimorbidity primarily forego medicines because of cost within one group of conditions. However, those without drug insurance extended these behaviours to multiple condition groups. Further work is needed to determine how people prioritise the conditions and treatments that are foregone because of cost, and how to best incorporate this information into treatment plans.

What to consider before prescribing inhaled medications: a pragmatic approach for evaluating the current inhaler landscape

Inhaled therapies are the cornerstone of treatment in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and there are a multitude of devices available. There is, however, a distinct lack of evidence-based guidance for healthcare providers on how to choose an appropriate inhaler. This review aims to summarise recent updates on topics related to inhaler choice, and to offer practical considerations for healthcare providers regarding currently marketed devices. The importance of choosing the right inhaler for the right patient is discussed, and the relative merits of dry powder inhalers, pressurised metered dose inhalers, breath-actuated pressurised metered dose inhalers, spacers and soft mist inhalers are considered. Compiling the latest studies in the devices therapy area, this review focuses on the most common types of handling errors, as well as the comparative rates of incorrect inhalation technique between devices. The impact of device-specific handling errors on inhaler performance is also discussed, and the characteristics that can impair optimal drug delivery, such as inhalation flow rate, inhalation volume and particle size, are compared between devices. The impact of patient perceptions, behaviours and problems with inhalation technique is analysed, and the need for appropriate patient education is also highlighted. The continued development of technology in inhaler design and the need to standardise study assessment, endpoints and patient populations are identified as future research needs. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.