The Irish COPD paradox and the promise of virtual care - Takeaways - MDSpire

The Irish COPD paradox and the promise of virtual care

  • By

  • Emma Lynn Burke

  • Clare Connolly

  • Niki Byrne

  • Karolina Glomba

  • Ian McCabe

  • David Tiernan

  • Sheila Gleeson

  • Hemendra Worlikar

  • Derek OKeeffe

  • Sinead Walsh

  • May 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Ireland has the highest COPD hospitalization rate in the OECD, at 315 per 100,000, significantly above the average of 190.

  • 2

    A 20-month study showed that 97.3% of COPD exacerbations managed via a Virtual Care Pathway avoided hospital admission.

  • 3

    The mean length of stay for COPD patients decreased by 51.5%, translating to an estimated €949,000 in hospital cost avoidance.

  • 4

    Patients preferred the virtual platform due to fear of hospitals, but expressed anxieties about technology and reliance on family for support.

  • 5

    The study highlighted the risk of an 'Inverse Digital Care Law,' where digitally excluded patients may miss out on effective care.

Original Source(s)

The Irish COPD paradox and the promise of virtual care

  • by Emma Lynn Burke, Clare Connolly, Niki Byrne, Karolina Glomba, Ian McCabe, David Tiernan, Sheila Gleeson, Hemendra Worlikar, Derek OKeeffe, Sinead Walsh

  • May 29, 2026

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