Satisfaction among sleep apnea patients: telematic compared with conventional follow-up

Abstract

Introduction: Telemonitoring systems could play an important role in the treatment of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. The principal aim of this research is to describe the characteristics of patients under CPAP treatment (telematic and conventional follow-up) and to compare the satisfaction in both groups. The second aim is to evaluate the patient's dropout Methods: Prospective single-blind randomized study. Patients who started using a CPAP were randomized to conventional o telematic treatment. The inclusion period was a year and the follow up, 6 months. Patients were asked about symptomatic and quality of life improvement using the CSQ 8 questionnaire. Results: 84 patients were recruited. 53 were men(63%) and 31 women(37%). Characteristics of the analyzed population are shown in Table 1. In the conventional group 95% patients completed the follow up period, while in the telematic one 85%. Patient satisfaction was measured using the CSQ8 questionnaire and the average score in both groups was 28.6. 95% and 91% of the patients in the conventional and telematic group found an improvement in their symptoms respectively. 85% in both groups described an improvement in their quality of life and almost 50% in social relationship Conclusions: Patients undergoing treatment with telematic follow-up also have perception of satisfaction and overall improvement of symptoms (as those with face-to-face visits)