OBJECTIVES: Patients’ preference is increasingly explored for COPD treatments, notably because poor inhaler adherence is a major challenge. Understanding inhaler preferences may contribute to adherence and improve long-term outcomes. This study aimed to identify and quantify preferences for convenience-related inhaler attributes in French moderate-to-severe COPD patients, with DCE methodology. No previous studies report on these characteristics in this population.

METHODS: Attributes were defined from a literature search, expert- and patient interviews. An online DCE with COPD patients aged 40-75, using an inhaler for COPD was conducted, including a 2-phase pilot study and cognitive-debriefing interviews. The choice scenarios presented fictitious inhalers with 7 attributes; shape, dose insertion, dose preparation, dose release, dose confirmation, dose counter, and reusability. The COPD Assessment Test and 18 questions on diagnosis, treatment and socio-demographics were included. A D-efficient design with priors was used. Analyses used a mixed logit regression model with random effects. 3 inhaler profiles were of particular interest: Inhaler A - soft mist inhaler, Inhaler B - single dose dry powder inhaler Inhaler C – multi-dose dry powder inhaler.

RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: The results show that a number of convenience-related inhaler characteristics are strong drivers of COPD patient preference in France and should be taken into account by clinicians prescribing these devices.