Author: michael

NEW REG Publication

Assessment of peak inspiratory flow in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicentre, observational, prospective, real-life study

We are delighted to share our latest publication, “Assessment of peak inspiratory flow in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicentre, observational, prospective, real-life study”, now available in BMJ Open Respiratory Research.

Peak inspiratory flow (PIF) is critical for the effective use of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) in COPD management, yet many patients may not achieve the required values for optimal drug delivery. In this multicentre, prospective study across 17 international sites, we recruited 415 patients with COPD and measured PIF at three resistance levels (low, high, and the patient’s maintenance device) using the In-Check Dial device. The baseline results showed that one-third of patients had suboptimal PIF, which was associated with a greater burden of symptoms and lower adherence.

Our study highlights the importance of routine PIF assessment in COPD care. Measuring PIF helps determine whether patients can use a DPI effectively or require an alternative device, ensuring personalised treatment and better disease control.

https://bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/12/1/e002408

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW REG Publication

Expert Perspectives on Next Generation Health Guidelines: How to Integrate RWE in EBM

We are delighted to share our latest publication, “Expert Perspectives on Next Generation Health Guidelines: How to Integrate RWE in EBM" is now available in the Pragmatic and Observational Research journal.

Real-world evidence (RWE) can supplement randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to improve evidence-based medicine (EBM) and clinical guidelines. Insights from the 2nd EAACI/REG Workshop emphasise the importance of standardised methods, education on RWE, and collaboration with patients and regulators. Practical frameworks are suggested to develop and incorporate high-quality RWE into healthcare decision-making, especially for airway diseases.

As the Expert Group noted,  the integration of Real-World Evidence into evidence-based decision-making has become a practical necessity rather than just a theoretical concept. The workshop consensus highlights that high-quality RWE, when generated and interpreted with rigorous methods, can effectively supplement or sometimes replace data from randomised controlled trials.

https://doi.org/10.1089/jamp.2024.0060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catch up with the latest REG news and happenings in our September 2025 issue

 

 

REG WEBINARS

REG is pleased to announce the next webinar in the series.
The topic for this webinar is

How can respiratory research and practice be augmented using digital technologies?: an overview of evidence and implementation

The webinar will be presented by Prof. Job van Boven and introduced by Prof. Joan B. Soriano

You are invited to join this webinar on Thursday 18th September from 5 to 6PM CET

 

 

REG WEBINARS

REG is pleased to announce the next webinar in the series.
The topic for this webinar is

Screening and early diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease: starting the process from Primary Care

The webinar will be presented by Dr. Pilar Rivera Ortega and introduced by Prof. Joan B. Soriano

You are invited to join this webinar on Thursday 5th June from 5 to 6PM CET

 

 

Respiratory Effectiveness Group Position Statement: Inhaler Choice: Balancing Personalized Health Care and Environmental Responsibility

We are delighted to share our latest publication, “Respiratory Effectiveness Group Position Statement: Inhaler Choice: Balancing Personalized Health Care and Environmental Responsibility”, now available in the Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery.

Inhaled medications are essential for managing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Delivery systems include dry powder inhalers (DPIs), pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), soft mist inhalers, and nebulizers. There are currently international efforts to phase down propellants with high global warming potential (GWP), with some governments and societies recommending a switch from pMDIs due to their GWP.

REG conducted a global survey of 468 healthcare professionals (HCPs) and 270 asthma/COPD patients across 39 countries to understand prioritisation of factors in inhaler device selection. Findings revealed that both HCPs and patients prioritise clinical considerations over environmental concerns, emphasising the need to tailor inhaler selection to individual patient needs and promote informed treatment decisions while transitioning to eco-friendly inhaler options.

While REG advocates for environmental responsibility, inhaler choice should be personalised, balancing patient needs and environmental concerns. REG strongly opposes the switching of inhalers for nonmedical reasons without considering the possible clinical consequences of a mismatch between inhaler characteristics and the patient's preferences.

https://doi.org/10.1089/jamp.2024.0060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introducing REG WEBINARS

REG is pleased to announce a new webinar series.
The topic for this inaugural webinar is

A Primary Care Approach to the Management of Difficult Asthma

The webinar will be by Dr. Dermot Ryan and introduced by Prof. Joan B. Soriano

You are invited to join this webinar on Wednesday 2nd April from 5 to 6PM CET

 

 

Catch up with the latest REG news and happenings in our February 2025 issue

 

 

The Interstitial Lung Disease Patient Pathway: From Referral to Diagnosis

We are delighted to share our latest publication, “The Interstitial Lung Disease Patient Pathway: From Referral to Diagnosis”, now available in ERJ Open Research. This study was led by REG researcher Dr. Graham Lough, alongside Principal Investigator Dr. Pilar Rivera Ortega.

The research aimed to explore and compare the ILD patient pathways across specialist and non-specialist centres, as well as between different regions. The study focussed on key areas such as referrals, caseloads, diagnostic tools, multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting practices, and resource availability.

The study was based on a comprehensive global survey, receiving 363 responses from ILD specialists and healthcare professionals across 64 countries. The findings highlighted significant differences in diagnostic pathways, with disparities in access to resources (such as antifibrotic therapies, clinical trials and specialist expertise) across centres and countries of varying income levels.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all collaborators and contributors who made this study possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catch up with the latest REG news and happenings in our October 2024 Newsletter