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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and the Role of Telemedicine in CPAP Treatment
Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder linked to cardiovascular risk and daytime sleepiness. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a treatment that keeps the airway open. Telemedicine in CPAP devices provides an alternative way for clinical staff to monitor and review patients, reducing clinical time.
Materials and Methods:
- A randomized trial involved three groups: standard care, modem with virtual appointment, and modem with smart device application (DreamMapper™) and virtual appointment.
- 90 participants needing CPAP treatment after an OSA diagnosis were recruited, and data were collected at baseline, 14 days, and 180 days, along with additional contacts or appointments.
Results:
- The study included 90 participants, 68% male and 32% female, with an average age of 52 years and an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) of 43.5 (events/h).
- There was a significant difference in the average clinical time for the first follow-up appointment among the three groups (p = 0.001).
- Significantly fewer additional appointments were required in the standard care and smart device application groups compared to the modem-alone telemedicine support (p = 0.03).
Discussion and Conclusion:
Telemedicine reduced the clinical time for the first follow-up appointment. Patients using standard care or a smart device application needed fewer additional appointments compared to those using telemedicine support with just a modem.
Overall, telemedicine solutions, including smart device applications, can offer practical benefits by reducing clinical time and the need for additional appointments in CPAP treatment for OSA.
PMID: 38662522 | DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2024.0097
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