Abstract
Intro
Compliance to CPAP therapy in patients with significant sleep apnoea improves overall health outcomes. The Government Funded Sleep Disorders Program (GFSDP) supplies CPAP devices to patients with significant sleep apnoea (apnoea-hypoxia index (AHI)>15) or significant symptom burden (Epworth sleepiness score (ESS)>10). To retain a GFSDP device, participants must meet the minimum usage requirements of 4hours/night. The aim of this study is to investigate longitudinal CPAP compliance of patients within the GFSDP. This information will assist with the goal of improving overall patient outcomes and tailoring service provisions offered by the healthcare institution.
Methods
150 GFSDP devices were issued from 2018 to May 2024. A retrospective analysis of patient compliance at commencement of therapy (Group 1), compared with current 3month compliance data (Group 2). 45 devices without remote monitoring were excluded from the study. Usage (hours/night) and AHI comparison between data groups were analysed using a paired T-test.
Results
105 subjects were analysed, age=60.9±12.80SD, 56 female, BMI=42.26±6.59SD, diagnostic AHI=59.4±32.16SD.
Group 1: usage=6.6hrs/night(SD±1.35); Group 2: usage =6.96hrs/night(±1.93SD), p=0.743.
Group 1: AHI=6.7(±1.38SD); Group 2: AHI=3.21(±4.18SD), p=0.492.
9% (n=10) patients were found to be non-compliant with an average usage of 1.26hrs/night.
Discussion
91% of patients showed continued acceptable compliance. There was no statistical difference in usage or AHI between Group 1 and Group 2. Patients identified as not compliant with the program in the past 3 months will be booked into clinic for review. More data is required to further investigate other relationships or trends that might exist within GFSDP participants