European Respiratory Society statement on advanced telemedicine for obstructive sleep apnoea (e-Sleep)

Abstract

Telemedicine as a means of remote patient-physician interaction is gaining popularity in nearly every field, and (respiratory) sleep medicine is no exception. Because obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a chronic condition, and requires a continuous treatment and monitoring of therapy success, telematic communications could be useful to establish diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This statement summarises the evidence and efficacy of telemedicine options in OSA. An interdisciplinary European Respiratory Society (ERS) task force evaluated the scientific literature based on a systematic search and two-step screening process (title/abstract and full text). Although the task force does not make recommendations for clinical practice, it describes its current practice of telemedicine applications in OSA. The literature shows that telemedicine has been studied in different areas of OSA management, with potential benefits. Telemedicine also served as a major research tool to provide big data related to positive airway pressure therapy. Telemedicine results in similar or improved compliance when compared with traditional face-to-face encounters. Telemedicine-based targeted troubleshooting and support based on individual patient data, and a combination via smartphone apps or coaching websites, are feasible and effective. Expanding evidence suggests that telemedicine is probably cost-effective. However, data do not consistently support staff time savings through telemedicine-based solutions. The potential benefits of telemedicine include improved access to healthcare, and increased adherence to (chronic illness) treatment plans. Benefits should be weighed against the overall costs of telemedicine and risks related to suboptimal compliance.