IPCRG 2026: Updates on Asthma
IPCRG 2026: Improved Asthma Symptoms Following Digital Support with the Asthmaoptimiser in Chilean Primary Care: The OptimAIR Study
Presenter: Javiera Corbalan Pössel et al.
Systematic assessment and follow-up are vital for asthma control in primary care. Digital tools like AsthmaOptimiser help structure consultations and aid in monitoring of patient-reported outcomes. AsthmaOptimiser was used at baseline during routine consultations to guide management in line with the clinical guidelines. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 3 months using the Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6) and the Chronic Airways Assessment Test (CAAT).
The use of AsthmaOptimiser improved outcomes in the participants of the OptimAIR Chile study (n=244; mean age 54 yrs, 82% female, 96% with uncontrolled asthma) at 3 months. The mean Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6) scores fell from 2.6 to 1.1 (Δ −1.6; 95% CI −1.9 to −1.3; p<0.001), while Chronic Airways Assessment Test (CAAT) decreased from 23.7 to 11.6 (Δ −11.2; 95% CI −13.4 to −9.0; p<0.001).
Digital tools may enhance systematic assessment and follow-up, thus improving asthma control in primary care.
IPCRG 2026: Impact of Fluticasone Furoate/Umeclidinium/Vilanterol Inhaled Therapy on a Clinical Remission Endpoint in Asthma for Patients with Type 2 Inflammation: CAPTAIN Post Hoc Analysis
Presenter: Kathryn Briggs et al.
According to the CAPTAIN study, fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) improved asthma outcomes vs. FF/VI in patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma. This study ascertained whether T2 inflammation [as indicated by blood eosinophils (EOS) and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)] would influence the clinical remission (CR) achieved with inhaled maintenance therapy. CR was the composite endpoint assessed post hoc at week 24.
Participants of the CAPTAIN study were stratified by T2 inflammation status (low: EOS<150/μL, FeNO<20 ppb; high: EOS≥300/μL, FeNO>50 ppb). At Week 24, higher FF dose (200 vs 100 µg) improved CR nominally but significantly in patients with high T2 inflammation [odds ratio (OR) 2.41, 95% CI 1.10–5.31, p=0.029] than low (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.70–1.74, p=0.662). Addition of UMEC 62.5 µg numerically increased the proportion and odds of patients achieving CR across groups, independent of T2 inflammation (low OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.83–2.61; high OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.53–3.64).
Increasing the FF dose and adding UMEC improved outcomes in patients with uncontrolled asthma. FF/UMEC/VI improved CRs, as compared to FF/VI, regardless of baseline T2 inflammation status. Increasing the dose of FF was particularly beneficial in patients with high T2 inflammation. The 52-week data is essential to confirm the CR achievement.
IPCRG 2026: Patients Factors Associated with Therapeutic Non-Adherence in Patients with Uncontrolled Asthma
Presenter: Sara Ristovska et al.
This cross-sectional study determined the therapeutic adherence levels among 99 patients with uncontrolled asthma (ACT ≤19). The study population predominantly comprised of females (78.8%), 35.3% patients were in the age group 31–45 years and 32.4% were in the age group 45–60 years. The therapeutic adherence was analyzed using the Morisky 8-item questionnaire, and Pearson Chi square test was used to determine the association between certain attributive traits. The study also identified patient factors contributing towards non-adherence.
Poor adherence was prevalent (83.8%; Morisky <7: 25.2%, <6: 58.6%). Age correlated with poor adherence (p<0.05), as did irregular inhaler use, side effects, and barriers to medication access (p<0.05). Patient misconceptions—fear of addiction, belief that daily therapy is not essential, and forgetfulness contributed significantly (p<0.05) towards non-adherence.
Poor treatment adherence adversely impacts asthma control; patient-focused education empowers individuals and addresses misconceptions and may thus improve the patient outcomes.
IPCRG 2026: Enhancing Fidelity Through Community and Provider Engagement: Implementation Adaptations in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation (Pure) Trial in Rural India
Presenter: Biswajit Paul et al.
The PuRe trial in rural India evaluated centre- and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for chronic respiratory disease, embedding community engagement and involvement strategies (CEI) along with provider feedback to adapt delivery.
Among low-literacy patients, group sessions replaced individual formats to boost peer motivation and attendance. Participants were encouraged to demonstrate exercises and lead within groups to foster shared learning and to build confidence. Locally available materials (water bottles, sandbags) supported resistance training in home PR. Cultural adaptations (T-shirts over sarees) improved comfort and adherence in women. WhatsApp calls enabled home supervision, and music boxes guided exercises. Patients suggested practical tools like foot-based walking path measurement. context-sensitive adaptations maintained fidelity while enhancing feasibility, with stakeholder input fostering ownership, mutual respect, and sustainability of PR in rural resource-limited settings.
IPCRG 2026: Acceptability and Feasibility of Oscillometry Compared with Spirometry in Primary Care
Presenter: Janwillem W.H. Kocks et al.
Spirometry is the gold standard for lung function assessment, but its implementation and measurement quality may be suboptimal at times. Oscillometry may overcome some of these barriers, especially when high-quality spirometry is difficult to perform.
A total of 739 patients with uncontrolled asthma underwent oscillometry and spirometry in OptimAIR (Argentina, Chile, Spain) study. This analysis included 560 patients (76%) with ≥3 pre-bronchodilator attempts for both techniques. The median quality grade achieved with Oscillometry was higher than that achieved with spirometry (grade A vs B; Wilcoxon V=24602.5, p<2e-16). The acceptable quality (grades A-D) was achieved more often with oscillometry than spirometry (91% vs 61%; McNemar’s χ²=121.5, p<2e-16) Both methods required a similar number of attempts (median 4, p=0.285).
Oscillometry may provide superior measurement quality in primary care without added effort, supporting its use for routine lung function assessment.
13th International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) World Conference, 11th to 14th June 2026, Tunis, Tunisia.
