Polysomnograph chart view by patients: a new educational strategy to improve CPAP adherence in sleep apnea therapy.
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.
Institute of Respiratory Disease, Università Degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
Vito Antonio
VA
Falcone
Mario Francesco
MF
Damiani
Vitaliano Nicola
VN
Quaranta
Alberto
A
Capozzolo
Onofrio
O
Resta
D022126:Access to Information; D000368:Aged; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017286:Polysomnography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*
CPAP; adherence; behavioral interventions; obstructive sleep apnea; patient education