Motivational Measurements Predict No Show Rates for Titration Studies and Use of Alternative Therapies

Motivational Measurements Predict No Show Rates for Titration Studies and Use of Alternative Therapies

Background: Overall adherence in health care is suboptimal, including adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). One of the leading strategies to improve patient acceptance and adherence to change is motivational interviewing (MI). We hypothesize that motivational measurements will predict patients’ show rate for CPAP titration studies and use of alternative therapies. Methods: Adult patients rated their perceived importance of CPAP therapy and their confidence of success with therapy on a 1-10 Likert-type scale prior to their diagnostic polysomnogram (PSG). Demographic data, referral clinic, body mass index (BMI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), treatment, and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) were collected. We classified patients into either Group 1, defined by those who reported both high importance of CPAP and high confidence of success with therapy (scores of 8 or higher for both), or Group 2 as those that rated lower importance or confidence (score <8 on at least one measure). Statistical analysis utilized unpaired t-tests and Fisher’s exact tests with a significant p value of 0.05.