TELEMEDICINE follow-up significantly improved quality of life and inhaler use techniques among patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a randomized controlled trial. The study evaluated whether telemedicine could provide effective post-exacerbation care compared to traditional face-to-face visits.
Researchers included patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbations, assigning them randomly to either a telemedicine group or a control group. Both groups were monitored over 3 months, with assessments conducted at baseline, 10 days, 1 month, and 3 months. Investigators compared outcomes using COPD assessment test (CAT) scores, inhaler adherence, and inhaler technique.
At 3 months, patients followed via telemedicine had a median CAT score of 9 compared with 18 in the control group, indicating a significant improvement in health status and symptom burden (p=0.019). Correct inhaler technique was also more prevalent in the telemedicine group, with 91.4% demonstrating proper use compared to 65.7% of those in the control group (p=0.02). Treatment adherence was numerically higher in the telemedicine group at 70.6% versus 55.9%, though the difference was not statistically significant.
These results suggest that telemedicine may provide advantages in both patient-reported quality of life and inhaler use accuracy, two key factors in effective COPD management. While adherence outcomes did not reach statistical significance, the trend toward improved compliance underscores telemedicine’s potential as a supportive care model.
The investigators concluded that telemedicine represents a promising alternative to traditional follow-up for advanced COPD patients, provided that adequate infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are in place. This model may offer greater accessibility while maintaining or improving clinical outcomes.
Reference:
Dogan ZS et al. Evaluation of patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in terms of treatment compliance and quality of life after follow-up with telemedicine: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pulm Med. 2025;25:408.
