1067 Patient Satisfaction and Preferences Regarding a Telemedicine Evaluation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea - An Update for 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition that is widely underdiagnosed. In adults ranging from 30 to 70 years of age, it is estimated that the prevalence of OSA is 26 percent. Many patients are undiagnosed, and access to evaluation is limited due to geographic concerns and the paucity of sleep specialists. Telemedicine visits may allow for greater access to this care. Patient-centered care and satisfaction surveys are an important way to better assess patient needs. Methods: Subjects ranging from 30-70 years of age, with a variety of sleep concerns, were recruited from the University of Rochester sleep center as part of an inter-rater reliability study. Subjects were evaluated in-person and online. During the telemedicine encounter, a separate, randomized provider performed an independent evaluation for OSA via tele-video conferencing with the subject. Following this encounter, subjects were given a link to an online survey to complete regarding their experience. Results: Of 50 subjects that were recruited to date, 28 (56%) successfully completed the telemedicine encounter and online survey. Of these patients, 82% had never before had a telemedicine encounter with a provider. However, 75% had communicated with their provider through a secure email program at some point and 32% did this routinely. The majority, 82%, of subjects felt comfortable conducting a new patient appointment for their sleep medicine concerns via telemedicine, and 75% thought telemedicine would make it easier to make their appointments. Only 7% of subjects surveyed would not be interested in having online appointments with their sleep medicine provider, and 64% would be interested if it were the same cost or even a little bit more than their current co-pay. Conclusion: These results suggest that patients are comfortable with telemedicine appointments for evaluation of OSA, and find it convenient to make these appointments. Telemedicine may improve access for evaluation of OSA, without reducing patient satisfaction, especially if these appointments are financially comparable to an in-person visit.