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Learning Objective 1: 1.To understand the experiences of problems and after receiving CPAP in OSA patients.
Learning Objective 2: 2.To understand the expectations in OSA patients receiving CPAP.
Methods: The study was based on a qualitative study. The constant comparative method was used to analyze the interview data.
Results: Twenty participants were in-depth interviewed. 17male and 3female, aged 39-64 years, body mass index (BMI) 22.1~41.0 kg/m2 (mean 27.5 kg/m2), neck circumference 36.0 cm~44.5cm (mean 39.7cm), Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) 40~92.6/ hour (mean 60.3/hour), and 10 participants (50.0%) history of hypertension.
"Getting back a good health" was the core theme for describing and guiding the process of obstructive sleep apnea patients receiving continuous positive airway pressure life experiences. During the process, health warnings were identified as the antecedent condition that included sub-categories: memory decreased, easy sleepy, easy tiredness, severe snooze, blood pressure and sugar poor control, and fall asleep while driving. Analyses showed six categories of OSA patients receiving CPAP treatment: 1) try and error for the “right” CPAP--self testing treatment models, self seeking information, and a little knowledge from health providers. 2) trouble with CPAP --air leaking, mask fitting, physical restraint, and un-matching with breath. 3) medical seeking—from media report from family, friends, or relatives. 4) wandering--curing? expensive? burden? handicapping? 5) long schedule waiting--waiting a long time to schedule check-up sleep problems. 6) strong expectations--providing complete professional consultations and educations, reducing CPAP expenses, arranging CAPA supporting group, arranging efficiently sleep examination, continuing to develop new OSA care knowledge.
Conclusions: The results will provide health providers the good references of OSA health care from patients’ subjective perspectives. The suggestions are as follows: (1) Establishing case management for following up OSA cases with receiving CPAP. (2) Setting up hospital standards of sleep examination process to shorten the waiting time. (3) Arranging regularly the forum for the supporting group to share experience.