Assessing the needs and perspectives of patients with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome following continuous positive airway pressure therapy to inform health care practice: A focus group study

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the lived experience in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and comorbid obesity following after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy made with the disease the device, and to identify barriers and facilitators to the use of CPAP to improve rehabilitation provision and aid in disease self-management.MethodsQualitative research was conducted using three focus groups with a representative sample of 32 inpatients (37% female) undergoing a 1-month pulmonary rehabilitation program at the IRCSS Istituto Auxologico Italiano San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy. The focus groups were recorded on tape, and contemporaneous notes were made. The tapes were transcribed verbatim, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to develop themes.ResultsSix main themes were extracted: (1) Living the diagnosis as a shock; (2) You should not sleep on it: the importance of prevention; (3) The adjustment to CPAP; (4) Barriers and facilitators to the use of CPAP; (5) Three in a bed; and (6) The relationship with the healthcare system.ConclusionResults of this study suggest potential avenues for interventions to increase adherence to CPAP, including the provision of information and continued support. Individual counseling providing strategies aimed at helping the person to cope with the emotional problem and relational difficulties associated with the use of CPAP, and at strengthening self-efficacy and self-management skills are also encouraged for optimal care during the rehabilitation program.

Acceptance and adherence to non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a grounded theory study

“…Healthcare practitioners can improve patient participation and encourage more moral and patient-centered care by considering the patient's perspective. The results of our study are in line with those found in the literature, which encourages the consideration of these aspects in the engagement process, even in populations with chronic respiratory diseases in adaptation to external devices (Rapelli et al, 2022).…”

“The heart in a bag”: The lived experience of patient-caregiver dyads with left ventricular assist device during cardiac rehabilitation

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