Improving CPAP Patient Compliance

In Webcast, National Sleep Therapy’s Eric Cohen Discusses Ways to Improve CPAP Patient Compliance, Manage Sleep Therapy

“Adherence is something the patient should want to do so they can sleep better, whereas compliance is something they need to do for insurance and reimbursement purposes,” Eric Cohen, President of National Sleep Therapy, told several hundred participants in a recent national webcast on CPAP compliance. The webcast was sponsored by medical device maker ResMed in association with Sleep Review Magazine (www.sleepreviewmag.com)

Cohen, who previously worked in new product innovation for Fortune 500 companies, noted, “Helping and coaching a few patients along the compliance road is easy, but doing so for thousands of people, all with different needs and experiences, requires a more sophisticated approach. To achieve the best health outcomes, you must build a strong relationship and become a trusted advisor.”

Cohen explained how National Sleep Therapy’s care model features many ‘touch points’ to make sure that every patient can engage in a way that works for them, dubbing it “The Design of the Experience.” Among CPAP patient touch-points that help to ensure adherence / compliance are thorough training of new patients; use of videos and an iPad training app so patients feel empowered and in control; and ongoing contact via Facebook, clinicians, newsletters, and a monthly virtual support group. “We give people a platform to engage on their terms so they will do so readily and happily,” Cohen said.

Behind the scenes, NST measures everything to constantly improve outcomes from patients and performance by all its staff. “Helping patients become adherent to therapy is a team effort between our company, the patient, and their physician. In this integrated approach, we must add value to both stakeholders to be seen as a true partner,” Cohen said.

By having a clear corporate mission to help patients succeed on CPAP therapy and developing a carefully structured patient engagement and support system, NST has created a patient population that is engaged, inspired, and motivated to be successful.

Eric Cohen told the webcast audience, “With a little help from technology, and basic principles on how to engage, motivate, and inspire, we’ve created a real team focused on CPAP success. And lots of people are sleeping more soundly resulting in a better quality of life, maybe even a longer life.”

National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com) has earned a reputation as an industry pioneer. NST sponsors a monthly free virtual support group for people with sleep apnea and healthcare pros (www.cpaptalklive.com For more information, contact 888.867.8840 or support@nstherapy.com.