Stephanie LaBedz, MD

Funded by the American Lung Association’s Accelerator Program and ATS/CHEST Foundation Respiratory Health Equity Research Award 

More than half of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) do not take their medication. This is associated with increased healthcare costs, an increased risk of COPD exacerbation requiring hospitalization, and death. Previous clinical trials intended to increase COPD medication adherence have demonstrated limited effectiveness, with nearly all relying on education as the sole or main intervention function. These “one size fits all” approaches fail to address the complex nature of adherence behavior, which is influenced by numerous factors. To date, the factors and mechanisms that drive non-adherence to COPD medication remain poorly understood. We will identify barriers and facilitators to COPD medication adherence by conducting interviews with individuals with COPD; devise a novel conceptual model of COPD medication adherence from this data; and identify targets and mechanisms for behavioral interventions to improve COPD medication adherence. These results will support the design of a future pilot clinical trial intended to improve COPD medication adherence among racial/ethnic minorities and persons of low socioeconomic status.