COPD Stakeholder Summit: Utilizing Peak Inspiratory Flow Rates to Individualize Treatment and Improve Outcomes

Prior to diving into a discussion on best practices for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stakeholders in health care remark on the prevalence and impact of the disease in the United States.

Factors that influence the quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including a timely diagnosis, and the role of measuring peak inspiratory flow.

Challenges associated with inadequate use of inhalers to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their impact on patients and the health care system.

A broad overview of the overall approach to managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with available treatment options.

Factors to consider when selecting an appropriate inhaler device to treat a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the role of measuring peak inspiratory flow to help determine one’s disease severity.

Recommendations to clinicians who refer to and utilize the GOLD criteria to best treat patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Tools and resources that help payers with coverage decisions for devices used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Initial strategies to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that can be tailored based on patient appropriateness.

Clinicians and a payer review current treatment guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and discuss how often they refer to and utilize current recommendations when making decisions for coverage and treatment.

Recommended strategies for measuring response and efficacy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pros and cons to using a dry powder inhaler as treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

An overview of COPD management programs available and offered by payers to members to help support patient adherence to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapies.

Strategies currently used to monitor patients’ adherence to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment, and thoughts on incorporating smart inhalers into management.

Recommended best practices for working with patients who smoke to reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease progression.

Nonpharmacological strategies that can help engage patients to remain adherent to therapies used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Considerations to help clinicians support patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, especially during the pandemic, and to reduce social isolation associated with the disease.

Strategies that can be used to navigate through current barriers associated with screening patients for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during the coronavirus pandemic.

Closing thoughts from a discussion between clinicians and a payer on best practices for identifying and treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to optimize outcomes and improve care.