The Technology Special Report article discusses the challenges faced in maintaining patient follow-up, the need to track sleep patient outcomes and replenishment CPAP supplies. In 2005, Respira implemented medSage’s OSA Patient Management Application, which places automated calls or, starting this year, emails – inquiring about the patient’s compliance, any issues with therapy and notifying them of their eligibility for new supplies. Referral sources appreciate the outcome data and compliance information. This technology is a “crucial” business partner benefiting Respira, its patients, and their physicians.
Archive for June, 2010
Respira Medical was featured in HME NEWS!
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010Sleep Study in Lab vs. Home
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010Below is a brief from HME News on new research concerning in-home sleep studies.
In brief: Study compares sleep success rates
05.21.2010
PHILADELPHIA – New research indicates that patients who get tested for sleep apnea in their homes do as well on CPAP therapy as patients who get tested in labs. Researchers at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center conducted a two-site study with nearly 300 randomized patients who underwent either standard in-laboratory sleep-testing or at-home testing. Of the 223 patients who started CPAP treatment after evaluation, 185 completed three months of follow-up. Average hours of daily use over the three-month period were similar between the two groups. “One of the biggest and most insurmountable barriers to treatment is the need for overnight testing in a sleep laboratory,” stated Dr. Samuel Kuna, chief of pulmonary, critical care and sleep at the center. “Our research suggests that this may no longer be mandatory for diagnosis.”
Remote or in-home sleep testing is an alternative to in-hospital laboratory sleep testing. In-home sleep testing can be used to diagnosis Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) for individuals who have a history of loud chronic snoring, are identified as high-risk using a scientifically validated sleep survey such as the Epworth Sleepiness scale or have other health factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Click here for more information on Respira Medical’s Portable Sleep Studies.