Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy compliance is essential to treat patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). CPAP therapy prevalence is estimated at two-thirds of all home respiratory therapies, but health resources assigned to promote therapy compliance are reduced. A telemedicine-based approach for CPAP therapy management could be of great benefit for OSA patients. METHODS: In a multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) we compared two groups of recently diagnosed OSA patients receiving face-to-face vs Internet-based CPAP follow-up, where a web platform we previously developed (Isetta, ATS2012) supports the follow-up and visits are via videoconference. Both groups answer periodical surveys about sleep time, CPAP side effects, lifestyle and have two follow-up visits (month 1 and 3). At the end of the study (6 months) main outcomes will be CPAP compliance, quality of life and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: Considering patients who finalized the trial (72/140) compared with baseline, at 6 months face-to-face group reported improvement in sleepiness (Epworth 10.7±5.2 vs 5.4±3.6;p<0.001) as well as Internet-based group (10.7±5.1 vs 6.7±4.2;p<0.001). Also, the majority of both face-to-face and Internet-based patients reported absence of either mask leaks (70.2% vs 57.1%;p=0.327) and nasal congestion (80.0% vs 79.4%;p=1). CONCLUSION: At 6 months, both groups showed improvement in sleepiness and similar outcomes in mask leaks and nasal congestion. These preliminary results suggest that a telemedicine-based strategy can be as effective as the face-to-face approach in OSA patients' management. The final results will build solid evidence on clinical impact.
- © 2014 ERS