How is support perceived by patients on home positive airway pressure? Preliminary Findings from the ERS-CRC IMPORTANCE Patient Survey

Although the use of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapies has been increasing, little is known about the support these patients receive. The ERS-CRC IMPORTANCE explored patients’ views on the support received regarding HMV/PAP therapies. A web-based cross-sectional survey was distributed through patients on long-term HMV/PAP. Patients’ characteristics, level of support received, existence of caregivers and support received by caregivers were collected. 4724 patients (60% male, 88% aged 41-80) from 59 countries responded. Most patients had obstructive sleep apnoea (60%) and used an APAP/CPAP device (75%). 16% used an HMV mostly due to neuromuscular disorders (30%). 26% had a caregiver, which was mostly their partner (65%). At the start of treatment, half of patients received a lot or thorough guidance on how to use their device properly, whilst 23% received no guidance. Contact with the prescribing team (68%) or homecare providers (69%) was noted as easy or very easy. But patients felt that support to their caregivers was limited (Table 1). In conclusion, most patients receiving home respiratory support experience sufficient guidance when commencing HMV/PAP and can easily contact their clinicians and/or homecare providers. Caregivers support is highlighted as insufficient, which represents an opportunity for improvement in their care. <fig><object-id>erjor;12/suppl_17/94/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>