The Use of Telemedicine in the Management of CPAP Treatment

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The use of Telemedicine in the Management of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, A Randomised Controlled Trial

  • IRAS ID

    280212

  • Contact name

    Tracy A Jones

  • Contact email

    tracy.jones3@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Portsmouth

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    ID 5644, Research registry

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Background
    Continues positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the ‘Gold’ standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and though it is shown to improve patient symptoms (such as daytime sleepiness) compliance to treatment can be problematic. The purpose of the study is to investigate the use of wireless telemedicine in the form of modems and phone/tablets applications to improve patient compliance to treatment. Previous studies have shown mixed results.

    Aim
    Could the use of technology in the form of telemedicine improve patient compliance with CPAP treatment?

    Methods
    Single centred, randomised controlled trial. Patients diagnosed with mild-severe sleep apnoea (AHI >5) and meet the criteria will be randomised to one or three arms (total of 90 patients). After initial CPAP setup patients will be followed up between week 1 and 2, using either standard care or virtual clinic depending on randomisation.

    Standard care = 30 patients (face to face clinics), telemedicine modem and virtual clinic =30 patients and telemedicine modem, phone/tablet application and virtual clinic = 30 patients.

    In all groups CPAP compliance will be monitored with hours used in a 24 hour period. Compliance will be considered as adequate at >4 hours in a 24 hours period for 70% of the time used. Patients will be followed up for a period of 6 months.

  • REC name

    Wales REC 7

  • REC reference

    20/WA/0180

  • Date of REC Opinion

    1 Jul 2020

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion