Pharmacist Inhaler Review Cuts Readmissions in COPD, Not Overall

PILLAR shows a predischarge pharmacist inhaler optimization program failed in an unselected long-acting inhaler population but reduced readmissions and emergency visits in the COPD subgroup, informing where respiratory pharmacists should concentrate discharge resources.

pharmacist-led interventioninhaler therapyCOPDasthmahospital readmissionemergency departmenttransitions of careLABALAMAinhaled corticosteroidrandomized controlled trialmedication accessCMS Hospital Readmission Reduction Program Pulmonology / Respiratory

Background Information

Pharmacist intervention cuts COPD readmissions effectively.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly contributes to hospital readmissions, which are costly and often preventable. The pharmacist-led intervention reduced the risk of 30-day and 6-month readmissions or emergency department visits for COPD patients, with a hazard ratio of 0.63 and 0.42, respectively. While overall results weren't significant, the intervention notably benefited COPD patients, highlighting the pharmacist's role in optimizing inhaler therapy. Pharmacist interventions can reduce COPD-related readmissions by optimizing inhaler therapy.

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Authors: Parrott TD, Wallace MD, Eble SH, Niehoff KM, Gao Y, Choi L, Prigmore HL, Dear ML, Rice TW, Sevin CM, Choma NN, Zuckerman AD

Citation: Parrott TD, Wallace MD, Eble SH, et al. A Pharmacist-Led Intervention to Increase Inhaler Access and Reduce Hospital Readmission (PILLAR): A Randomized Controlled Trial. CHEST pulmonary. 2026;4(2):100231. doi:10.1016/j.chpulm.2025.100231

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

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