Telemedicine Boosts Inhaler Technique, QoL After Severe COPD Exacerbations: Daily Dose

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On October 10, 2025, we reported on findings from a study published in BMC Pulmonary Medicine that examined the safety and effectiveness of telemedicine for the follow-up of patients with advanced-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after hospitalization for disease exacerbations.

The study

Investigators enrolled 74 adults hospitalized for Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 3–4 COPD exacerbations between July 2022 and July 2023 and randomly assigned half to follow-up via telemedicine and half to standard outpatient care. Study eligibility required at least 1 COPD-related hospitalization in the prior year and acceptable cognitive function. Exclusion was based on less severe COPD, asthma, lung cancer, active infection, or inability to use telemedicine devices were excluded.

The telemedicine cohort received structured video consultations at 10 days, 1 month, and 3 months post-discharge, with additional visits as needed. Investigators remotely assessed symptoms, vital signs, oxygen saturation, dyspnea (mMRC), CAT scores, inhaler adherence, and technique. Any participant who required further diagnostics or hospitalization was triaged accordingly.

Participants in the control group received usual outpatient care, with data largely drawn retrospectively for the early follow-up period, as CAT scores were not routinely collected.

The findings

Results showed that CAT scores in the telemedicine group decreased progressively from a baseline median of 16 to 13.5 at the first visit, 10.5 at 1 month, and 9 at three months (P < .001).

Inhaler adherence among telemedicine group participants improved from 16.7% at baseline to 70.6% at 3 months, with the authors attributing progress in technique to real-time correction and demonstration.

Investigators also reported high patient satisfaction with the telemedicine approach: 89% preferred to continue with remote follow-up and 83% reported minimal or no anxiety regarding video consultations.

Authors' comments

"Telemedicine has improved the quality of life of advanced-stage COPD patients and their inhaler techniques. It may, therefore, be considered a promising alternative to traditional face-to-face follow-ups, although various technical infrastructures and legal regulations are necessary."

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