On the Line for Lung Health: Telephone Training Helps COPD Patients Perfect Inhaler Use

Key Terms

chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases medical

A group of long-term lung conditions that progressively block airflow and make breathing harder, commonly likened to trying to sip through a narrowing straw. They matter to investors because they create ongoing demand for drugs, medical devices, and care services, influence healthcare costs and insurance spending, and can trigger significant value changes when new treatments, safety concerns, or regulatory decisions appear.

copd medical

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that progressively narrows airways and reduces the ability to breathe, causing persistent cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. It matters to investors because a large and growing patient population creates steady demand for drugs, medical devices and care services, influences healthcare spending and regulatory decisions, and offers clear market opportunities—similar to a leaking engine that requires ongoing fixes and replacement parts.

medicare advantage regulatory

Medicare Advantage is a type of health insurance plan offered by private companies that covers services traditionally provided by government-run Medicare. Think of it as a bundled package that combines hospital, doctor, and other medical care into one plan, often with added benefits. For investors, it matters because the popularity and profitability of these plans can influence healthcare companies and the broader health insurance industry.

medication adherence medical

Medication adherence is how consistently patients take a prescribed drug the right way—correct dose, at the right times, and for the full recommended period. It matters to investors because real-world use determines a therapy’s effectiveness, market demand, payer coverage and long-term sales; poor adherence can make a drug look less effective than in trials, like not following a recipe and getting a different result than expected.

Humana Healthcare Research and University of Chicago Medicine study highlights promise of improving respiratory care through remote learning.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A new study published in the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation shows how an innovative phone-based inhaler education program helped Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with COPD use their inhalers more effectively.

Researchers from Humana Healthcare Research and University of Chicago Medicine (UChicago Medicine) found that Humana members with COPD and low medication adherence who participated in the program in 2020 significantly improved their inhaler technique after receiving guidance over the phone from pharmacists.

The study points to the promise of remote, pharmacist-led inhaler training as a way to help people with COPD better manage their condition and emphasizes the importance of continued research to develop tailored approaches for individuals who may be more likely to struggle with proper inhaler use.

Additional findings include:

• Of the nearly 2000 participants included in the study nearly 40% were using their inhalers incorrectly at the start of the program, but after the first phone education session, misuse dropped to less than 7%, a dramatic improvement.
• Positive outcomes were observed across all types of inhaler devices and patient subgroups with ongoing, multi-session education playing a key role in helping patients maintain correct inhaler use over time.

“Using a COPD inhaler can be challenging because it requires precise timing and coordination, as well as understanding the correct steps to ensure the medication is delivered effectively to the lungs,” said Humana’s Emily Thomas, a pharmacist who served as the program leader. “A phone-based education program offers a convenient way for patients to receive personalized guidance and support, helping them improve their inhaler technique and better manage their condition.”

UChicago Medicine physician-researcher Valerie Press, MD, MPH, notes that “when used correctly, respiratory inhalers deliver the cornerstone of treatments to prevent and reduce COPD symptoms; however, inhaler misuse is pervasive. Guidelines recommend inhaler technique assessment and teaching at all healthcare encounters to mitigate this misuse. This insurance-based program extends the reach of this critical education to provide necessary medication education.”

You can access the full study on the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation website here.

About Humana Healthcare Research

Humana Healthcare Research is a team of expert researchers dedicated to transforming healthcare through impactful, data-driven insights. As a subsidiary of Humana, Humana Healthcare Research collaborates with leading academic and industry partners to advance and shape innovation in care delivery and health policy for better outcomes.

About Humana

Humana (NYSE:HUM) is a leading U.S. healthcare company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell healthcare services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare and Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415252274/en/

Media Contact
Lisa Dimond
Humana Corporate Communications
832-330-4702
ldimond@humana.com

Source: Humana Inc.