RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Polysomnograph Chart View by Patients: A New Educational Strategy to Improve CPAP Adherence in Sleep Apnea Therapy
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP 193
OP 198
DO 10.4187/respcare.02491
VO 59
IS 2
A1 Falcone, Vito Antonio
A1 Damiani, Mario Francesco
A1 Quaranta, Vitaliano Nicola
A1 Capozzolo, Alberto
A1 Resta, Onofrio
YR 2014
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/59/2/193.abstract
AB BACKGROUND: CPAP is currently the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but therapy adherence is poor. Many educational trials have been proposed to increase CPAP adherence. We tested the hypothesis that polysomnograph chart viewing by patients would improve CPAP adherence. METHODS: A controlled parallel group study was performed with 206 newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients, randomized into 2 groups (n = 103 each): standard support group, and educational support group. Each educational support group subject viewed 2 consecutive polysomnograms on the computer screen: the first recorded during a standard diagnostic overnight polysomnography, and the second during a full-night polysomnography with nasal CPAP. The subject's attention was drawn only to the flow and oxyhemoglobin saturation curves. Clinical outcomes were assessed via polysomnography at CPAP initiation and after 1, 3, and 12 months. RESULTS: After 12 months of CPAP, 76% of the educational support group and 52% of the standard support group returned for a follow-up visit (P < .001). Statistical significance had already been reached after 1 and 3 months. Moreover, CPAP use (measured as hours of use per night) was higher in the educational support group at each control visit. CONCLUSIONS: Polysomnograph chart viewing by obstructive sleep apnea patients can increase CPAP adherence, as evaluated by rate of return for the follow-up visit and mean nightly CPAP use.