Telehealth-based framework for supporting the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2009:143:478-83.

Abstract

We describe an application of a computer-based system and telehealth approach for support of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A conceptual framework is introduced that has four major components: patients' education and communication, measurement of patients' adherence, CPAP unit test, and CPAP treatment evaluation. The measurement and evaluation processes are based on a fuzzy logic approach and they use a set of predefined fuzzy rules. The rules are utilized for the calculation of patient's adherence and treatment effectiveness using patients' records, self-reported adherence data, and automatically downloaded data from the CPAP machines. Further, we discuss the need for a telehealth support system for OSA patients in the rural communities and small cities of British Columbia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • British Columbia
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
  • Humans
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / therapy*
  • Telemedicine*