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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 1 of 1 Research Studies DisplayedDonovan LM, Parsons EC, McCall CA
Impact of mail-based continuous positive airway pressure initiation on treatment usage and effectiveness.
Traditional care for patients starting continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has involved face-to-face visits with a trained professional for hands-on guidance and mask fitting assessment. However, in an effort to increase accessibility, numerous healthcare systems are transitioning to remote CPAP initiation by mailing equipment to patients. Although this method offers potential advantages, the impact on patient outcomes remains uncertain. Specifically, concerns have been raised about the potential decrease in CPAP adherence due to the absence of in-person training. The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment usage following either in-person or mailed CPAP initiation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researcher’s medical center transitioned from in-person to mailed CPAP distribution in March 2020. A cohort of newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients who began CPAP therapy in the months preceding (n = 433) and following (n = 186) this shift was form. The researchers then compared 90-day adherence between the two groups. The study found the average nightly PAP usage was moderate in both cohorts. No significant differences were observed in unadjusted or adjusted analyses.
AHRQ-funded; HS026369
Citation: Donovan LM, Parsons EC, McCall CA .
Impact of mail-based continuous positive airway pressure initiation on treatment usage and effectiveness.
Sleep Breath 2023 Mar;27(1):303-08. doi: 10.1007/s11325-022-02608-z.
Keywords: Respiratory Conditions, Sleep Problems, Patient Adherence/Compliance