CPAP-users’ partners as partners-in-care. Findings from a grounded theory study

Abstract

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the recognised, cost-effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. Yet scholars argue that patients underuse this therapy. Therefore, studies have focused on resolving difficulties using CPAP. In contrast, our constructionist grounded theory study used semi-structured interviews to focus on experiences of adults successfully living with this therapy. Data were analysed according to grounded theory convention and theoretical saturation was reached. Participants (n=16) were recruited through a main-centre respiratory service in New Zealand and described bargaining and balancing life with CPAP comprising three main categories: becoming a good-sleep team, making choices about CPAP and becoming used to CPAP. The first main category is the focus of this poster which highlights the significance of partners to the process of living with this therapy. CPAP-users and partners formed a team with the mutual goal of achieving a good sleep. Partners experienced and bore witness to consequences of untreated sleep apnoea, prompting the snorer to seek treatment. Joint problem solving and decision-making facilitated successful therapy management. Conversely, un-collaborative significant others hindered this process. Participants highlighted that partners are not simply bystanders, but are integral to using CPAP and should be formally incorporated into the treatment process. In the spirit of patient- and family-centred care, formally inviting therapy-users’ designated significant others during sleep clinic visits increases probability of successful therapy management at home. Findings provide new insights that hallmark successful CPAP use at home and strategies for promoting effective sleep apnoea management.