Abstract
We manage patients on NIV with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), and neuromuscular disorders (ND's). In 2015 we initiated telemonitoring with NIV devices that facilitate efficacy data transfer to a secure website for those commenced on NIV for the first 30 days following initiation with the option for long term telemonitoring where this is thought to be appropriate.
Aim: Explore potential benefits of telemonitoring in NIV users.
Methods: Assess the impact of telemonitoring on service delivery and review the telemetry data in terms of adherence to therapy, mask fit and efficacy of NIV therapy.
Results: 18 patients now commenced on NIV with telemetry data available. 6 have a diagnosis of ND's; 3 with adherence of 5.5-9.5 hours/night and 3 with adherence of < 2 hours per night. 12 with a diagnosis of severe OSAHS/OHS have an average adherence of 4.8 hours/night and an average apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) of 6 with only 3 having significant mask leak. The data transmission has been unproblematic and NIV adherence/efficacy data can be viewed on a daily basis or as needed.
Conclusion: Where poor NIV adherence/high mask leaks are seen this prompts early telephone/clinic follow up. Our experience to date of those commenced on NIV telemonitoring is positive (with no adverse outcomes reported) and allows us to monitor the adherence/ efficacy data remotely and intervene where necessary. Our expereince of remote telemonitoring in NIV users so far is positive and propose that it may be advantageous for patients/clinicians and we are now planning a pilot randomised controlled trial in 2017 to explore this further.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
