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

Objective: This study aims to investigate the lived experience in patients with\r\nobstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and comorbid obesity following\r\nafter continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy made with the\r\ndisease the device, and to identify barriers and facilitators to the use of CPAP\r\nto improve rehabilitation provision and aid in disease self-management.\r\nMethods: Qualitative research was conducted using three focus groups with\r\na representative sample of 32 inpatients (37% female) undergoing a 1-month\r\npulmonary rehabilitation program at the IRCSS Istituto Auxologico Italiano San\r\nGiuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy. The focus groups were recorded on tape, and\r\ncontemporaneous notes were made. The tapes were transcribed verbatim, and\r\nInterpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to develop themes.\r\nResults: Six main themes were extracted: (1) Living the diagnosis as a shock; (2)\r\nYou should not sleep on it: the importance of prevention; (3) The adjustment\r\nto CPAP; (4) Barriers and facilitators to the use of CPAP; (5) Three in a bed; and\r\n(6) The relationship with the healthcare system.\r\nConclusion: Results of this study suggest potential avenues for interventions to\r\nincrease adherence to CPAP, including the provision of information and continued\r\nsupport. Individual counseling providing strategies aimed at helping the person\r\nto cope with the emotional problem and relational difficulties associated with\r\nthe use of CPAP, and at strengthening self-efficacy and self-management skills\r\nare also encouraged for optimal care during the rehabilitation program.