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COPD Tracker: HCPs consider triple therapy for Group E COPD

29.08.2024 | Tracker

COPD Tracker: HCPs consider triple therapy for Group E COPD

In the month of July 2024, CREATION.co analysed 201 posts on X by 148 US healthcare professionals (HCPs) discussing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In these posts, HCPs educated each other on diagnosis and treatment, shared the latest research, and discussed emerging treatments. 

HCPs educated peers 

In July, some HCPs, like internal medicine physician Kashif J. Piracha, posted anonymised COPD patient cases, asked questions concerning diagnosis, then explained the right answer.

Intensivist and pulmonologist Nick Mark shared a poll he originally published in November 2022, in order to test the theoretical knowledge of peers on pulmonary physiology, while another shared the ECG of a patient and asked for thoughts on diagnosis.

In 43 posts HCPs shared medical education about emphysema. They shared CT images to help identify emphysema from a scan and distinguish between its three sub-types, which was the top-shared post by HCPs, with 26 reposts. 

Thought-starter: HCPs are eager to gain current knowledge and are enthusiastic about helping their peers advance in clinical practice. How could you add value to their learning online within the COPD space?

HCPs shared the latest research

The most HCP-shared post about research, with six HCP reposts, was a publication in the European Respiratory Journal on the pulmonary effects of e-cigarettes.

Next most shared with four HCP reposts was a review on the laryngeal mechanisms behind chronic refractory cough and inducible laryngeal obstruction, published in The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) journal.

HCPs discussed emerging treatments

In July the most discussed treatment type was medication, the most common of which was triple therapy (ICS/LABA/LAMA). In several of these posts, HCPs shared links to a research paper on the suitability of triple inhaled therapy in Group E COPD patients, considered a “great debate” by respiratory therapist Abdullah Alismail.

Earlier this year, HCPs celebrated the positive outcomes of the NOTUS trial and the subsequent priority review of Dupixent (dupilumab). In July, two HCPs applauded Dupixent’s EU approval, while pulmonologist Emily Fridenmaker posted a poll asking whether others were administering the drug.

Palliative care remained the second most discussed treatment type both in July and in the five months prior overall. Notable mentions among palliative and end-of-life care posts in July were 3 HCP posts reminding peers that the goal of palliative care is to improve patient quality of life.

In July, the third most discussed therapy type were surgical interventions, with lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) being a common theme. Among these posts, one HCP shared complications post this surgery type, another shared a post complimenting an educational session on LVRS, and one HCP described the use of endobronchial coil treatment for patients ineligible for LVRS.

Thought-starter: HCPs explore new treatment options based on the evidence and are keen to update their peers as the treatment landscape evolves. How could you support your HCPs to navigate this evolving treatment landscape? Are you continually listening to the online HCP conversation to stay abreast of HCP needs? 

HCPs discussed COPD treatment costs

Between January and June, HCPs had expressed concerns about the impact of highly-priced COPD inhalers on US patients. In July, three HCPs continued this theme by sharing a Medscape article on cost-related medication nonadherence in US COPD patients.  

Three HCPs reinforced this point by sharing results of the COPD VIBD program which demonstrated improved treatment adherence in patients who were both guided on correct inhaler use and supported with lower out-of-pocket costs for inhalers. Brian Powers, a physician who was also one of the researchers behind the study, was excited to share these results online, highlighting the “55% increase in maintenance inhaler adherence”.

Most impactful HCPs discussing COPD on X in July 2024

Using CREATION.co’s unique impact score which ranks HCPs based on metrics like engagement by HCP peers, social media metrics and number of COPD posts for that month, we identified the most impactful HCPs in the US discussing COPD in July 2024. 

The most impactful HCP in July was pulmonologist Emily Fridenmaker, who educated peers. She posted a thread with links to various resources, including research on redefining COPD diagnosis, a GOLD report on COPD management and prevention, pulmonary function reference equations, and a COPD textbook. She was also the second-most impactful US HCP discussing COPD on X in June.

Next most impactful was cardiothoracic radiologist Lauren Kriger Goner who shared research on the pulmonary effects of e-cigarettes and an article on small airways disease in COPD.

Third most impactful was Leah B. Gilliam, a family doctor who posed a question about determining the driver behind a patient’s dyspnea between COPD and coronary disease. She also engaged a member of the public to inform them about the use of steroids to treat COPD exacerbated by COVID.

Each month, we track online HCP conversations on COPD. If this interests you, you can check out our Respiratory Trackers, or dive into one of our HCP Insight Trackers focused on Product Approvals or Top 50 Pharmaceutical companies. 

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Eden Daniel

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