Clinical Research Directory

Impact of Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Clinical Outcomes in Older Veterans With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Overlap Syndrome)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are highly prevalent chronic respiratory diseases in the Veteran population. OSA co-occurring with COPD, known as Overlap Syndrome (OVS), is a complex chronic medical condition associated with grave consequences. OVS is highly prevalent in Veterans. Veterans with OVS may be at increased risk for cognitive deficits, poor sleep quality as well as a reduced quality of life (QoL). The overall objective is to study the effects of positive airway pressure therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with OVS.

Effect of Smart Watch and App on PAP Adherence in OSA (Watch-OSA)

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is highly effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, this treatment modality relies heavily on patient adherence, and poor adherence to the treatment limits its effectiveness in treating OSA. Strategies to augment adherence are needed in the management of OSA. The smart watch and linked app provide various health information, including sleep, snoring or oxygen saturation during sleep, exercise, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram. The smart watch and linked app could potentially improve adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to examine whether the use of smart watch and app can increase PAP adherence in patients with OSA.