Abstract
Objective: Investigate whether an internet-based remote monitoring system could provide an effective, practical, and safe clinical pattern for children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) who require home-based noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) therapy on a long-term basis.
Method: Three patients were treated in the unit from March 2009, and the results were analyzed. Variables of the ventilator were monitored with a remote monitoring system to observe the status of home-based treatment. Interventions were administered as appropriate, and a questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the performance of the remote monitoring system.
Results: As of April 1, 2010, pulmonary hypertension in 1 patient had been cured, while the other 2 patients remained in treatment. In all three patients, poor compliance and lower efficiency of the use of the ventilator were seen in early stages of treatment. After a period of remote monitoring and education, both parameters were significantly improved. A survey conducted with the patients’ families and their professional medical staffs revealed that the TELETREK remote monitoring system was safe, convenient, and easy to operate and helped save time and cost as compared to traditional regular follow-up visits to the hospital.
Conclusion: Remote monitoring systems provide an effective, practical, and safe clinical pattern for patients with OSAHS and associated risk factors who need home-based noninvasive ventilation therapy on a long-term basis.
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