AASM Sleep Centers Improve CPAP Compliance
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who receive treatment from a sleep
center accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) are more
likely to continue their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatments for
longer periods of time, according to new research. Results of the study, conducted
by Siva Ramachandran, MD, were presented last week at SLEEP 2008, the 22nd
Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS).
Ramachandran and colleagues followed 55 consecutive patients who, at their 1month follow-up visit, reported CPAP compliance of less than 4 hours and who were
being treated in an AASM-accredited sleep center.
"This study was unique, as it targeted patients with high risk for CPAP failure, in a
community setting with resources identified within the center, and was developed
in a longitudinal model of patient care," said Ramachandran. "Access to specialized
services with close follow-up in an AASM accredited center improves long term
CPAP compliance in patients with high risk of CPAP failure. Patients in the older age
group are particularly responsive to multimodal CPAP rescue services and are a
model for development in sleep centers."
As part of the study, subjects were evaluated and counseled by a board-certified
sleep specialist and a certified respiratory therapist and were educated about OSA.
Participants had CPAP desensitization and mask fittings within the center and had
access to specialized CPAP clinics, when indicated.
All patients had open access to their sleep specialist by telephone, e-mail, or clinic
visits and were given round-the-clock access to a CPAP hot line to the center with
close tracking of problems within 24 hours.
According to the researchers, 61% of patients were compliant and, during the 6month follow-up period, CPAP compliance improved in these patients and more
patients availed themselves of mask changes and desensitization in the compliant
group. Also, an older age was correlated to increasing compliance.
In addition, there was close collaboration with center staff and durable medical
equipment providers in specialized multidisciplinary CPAP clinics.
CPAP Central, a site created by the AASM, provides the public with comprehensive,
accurate, and reliable information about CPAP.