Authors (including presenting author) :
Ip KLR(1), Tse PY(1), Yu HY(1), Tang WT(1), Chan WN(1), Li UY(1), Ngan LY(1), Siu WC(1), Tam SH(1), Wong HY(1), Wong KM(1), Chow MC(1), Tsai MK(1), Chiu PH(1), Ng ML (1), Lam YF(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine, PYNEH
Introduction :
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is associated with multiple adverse health consequences. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the primary treatment. However, CPAP compliance remains challenging due to knowledge gaps and discomfort with CPAP mask leakage, dryness, and pressure intolerance. Despite face-to-face education in hospital, patients may have suboptimal knowledge retention when using CPAP after home. To address this service gap, an educational leaflet, including written trouble-shooting information together with links to demonstration videos, was designed for patients’ self-access at home when needed.
Objectives :
To assess whether the use of educational pamphlet and video can further enhance patients’ knowledge level, confidence level and problem- solving abilities in CPAP usage
Methodology :
1. An educational leaflet with troubleshooting information and video links was designed.
2. Patients who underwent either in-lab or home CPAP titration were recruited and randomly assigned into experimental or control group.
3. Control group received face-to-face CPAP education while the experimental group received the same education plus the leaflet and videos.
4. Pre-test and post-test questionnaires were conducted to evaluate patients’ knowledge level, confidence level and trouble-shooting abilities in CPAP usage.
Result & Outcome :
From May to October 2024, 66 patients were recruited. 56 patients (31 patients in experimental group and 25 patients in control group) completed the assessment. Patients’ age range between 31-78 year-old.
The experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in knowledge score (from 2.06 to 3.48 over 5 with p<0.001) and confidence score in tackling CPAP problems (from 12.90 to 16.06 over 20, p<0.001) when compared with control group.
Regarding the trouble-shooting abilities, more patients could tackle difficulties in mask application in the experimental group (83.9%) than in the control group (32%). Similar improvement was also noted in management of airway dryness (90.3% vs 20%). 25 (80.7%) patients in the experimental group reported that the leaflet was useful in adapting CPAP.
The educational intervention incorporating leaflets and videos significantly increased the knowledge level, enhanced confidence, and increased patient’s ability to tackle the major obstacles to CPAP adherence. These results emphasized the value in providing early and personalized education for OSA patients when they first begin the CPAP therapy.
