If at first you don't succeed......
It's an old saying, but it has a lot of meaning especially when it comes to PAP therapy.
Before coming to the Birmingham VA, I didn't have an opportunity to do as much follow up with patients as I do now. Many of them come in our office and tell me, "Well, I stopped using my CPAP machine for a while, but now I want to start using it again." Then they proceed to give me all of the reasons they couldn't succeed. I see this scenario play out more often than you would think.
Not many people are accustomed to sleeping with an air hose blowing up their nose. If PAP patients can overcome resistance and fear of the machine, many of them will have success.
In order to help patients succeed, you need to have the right attitude. The initial approach is a big part of the process, data has proven that most patients either will use the machine or won't within a month of beginning therapy. Sleep technicians have to realize that they are in the driver's seat when it comes to introduction of PAP interfaces and devices. Using the firm but gentle approach is best, being well informed, educated and persistent when necessary.
When we are getting patients set up at night, time becomes an issue. As a technician can we find the time to actually give our patients a real understanding of PAP masks and machines, in a short time?
We give a required class now to patients before they come in for testing. During this class we give education about sleep disorders, what to expect during testing, including pictures!
I thought how often I would have appreciated this information prior to some of the medical tests I have had in the past, (what was really going to happen when the doctor asked me to drink that little bottle of citrus magnesium!) But, giving this information to potential PAP users is critical to the beginning of a life time journey.
When the patient does get home after testing and receives their equipment, it suddenly becomes a realization. Most become aware that their bed partners are not giving in when it comes to sleeping. We are all too familiar with issues such as mask leaking, pressure sores, insomnia, bloating, (gas), dry mouth, condensation in mask and tubing.
All obstacles that would stumble even the most well trained athlete At the VA my personal philosophy has been, education does not stop with diagnosis. The road will be bumpy, there will be set-backs, so if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.... and again.....and again.