An in-patient model for positive airway pressure desensitization: a report of 2 pediatric cases

Respir Care. 2012 May;57(5):802-7. doi: 10.4187/respcare.01231. Epub 2011 Dec 6.

Abstract

Application of positive airway pressure is frequently indicated in pediatric patients with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. Adherence to equipment use is often less than optimal and can be more challenging when working with children with special needs. An in-patient protocol was designed utilizing various techniques and strategies from the medical adherence literature and applied to 2 cases. This protocol utilizes specialists from various disciplines, including respiratory therapists, psychologists, physicians, nurses, and child life therapists, as well as parental involvement. This paper outlines this protocol using 2 case studies. Both patients successfully used their equipment for greater than 4 hours at night by the end of their hospital stay of 4 days and maintained or advanced these gains at follow-up. These 2 cases suggest that more research should be conducted to further evaluate the effectiveness of similar programs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure*
  • Female
  • Hospitalization*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / diagnosis
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / etiology
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / therapy*