CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE - PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS LEARNING NEEDS AND BARRIERS TO USE

OBJECTIVE: To identify learning needs and factors related to postdisch arge use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation. DE SIGN: Exploratory descriptive correlational. SETTING: Metropolitan and rural clinics. SUBJECTS: Adult patients (N = 21) and family caregiver s, one half 60 years or older. INSTRUMENTS: Family interviews, life sa tisfaction and quality, family function and relationship, depression a nd learning preparedness. RESULTS: There were numerous learning needs related to CPAP machine management, monitoring illness severity, and r ecognizing depressive symptomology, oxygen deficits, and cardiovascula r sequelae. Family members are involved in overcoming barriers interfe ring with nightly CPAP use. Interview and questionnaire data clearly i ndicate life satisfaction improves after CPAP treatment. CONCLUSION: P redischarge and teaching programs coordinated by expert nurses are nee ded to address families' learning needs and support habitual long-term CPAP use. Family problem solving and depression interventions, instru ction on recognizing symptoms of cardiovascular complications, and lon g-term follow-up programs are currently being studied.