Tucson Standard

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but many patients struggle to maintain regular use. A study by the University of Arizona Health Sciences, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, indicates that peer support can enhance adherence to CPAP therapy and increase patient satisfaction.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects 39 million adults in the United States, as reported by the National Council on Aging. The condition involves repeated episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to fragmented rest and reduced oxygen levels. Untreated, it can result in complications affecting heart, kidney, and metabolic health. CPAP therapy is known to improve quality of life and reduce hypertension, accidents, and mortality.

"The CPAP is the gold standard treatment for patients with sleep apnea," said Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, lead author of the study and director of the U of A Health Sciences Center for Sleep, Circadian and Neuroscience Research. "But the problem is that it's a complicated external device that requires willpower by patients to put it on their faces."

The study involved 263 participants new to CPAP treatment who were divided into two groups: one received standard care with educational materials while the other had interactions with trained peer mentors through visits and phone calls.

Results showed that 62% of participants receiving peer support used their CPAP machines correctly compared to 51% in the control group. Those with peer support averaged 4.5 hours per night using CPAP versus 3.7 hours without support.

Participants receiving peer mentorship also expressed greater satisfaction with their care coordination compared to those without such intervention.

The peer system trained individuals already using CPAP devices to assist newcomers through initial visits followed by scheduled phone calls over several weeks. An automated interactive voice program was available for additional assistance without direct mentor contact.

The study emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of this approach by reducing demands on healthcare providers while promoting improved outcomes. It suggests integrating peer support into healthcare reimbursement policies could benefit more patients nationwide.

"Peer intervention is scalable and exportable," Parthasarathy noted. "It could help patients with diabetes, blood pressure or any other chronic condition that requires significant self-care."

Co-authors included researchers from various departments at U of A College of Medicine – Tucson as well as Harvard Medical School's Gerald E. McGinnis Professor of Sleep Medicine.