Study finds SleepMapper app and web-based solution improves therapy adherence for sleep apnea patients

ANDOVER, Mass., June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new study released today at SLEEP 2014 by Philips Respironics, a division of Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), patients using the SleepMapper mobile app and web-based ­solution achieved a 22 percent higher positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy adherence rate than non-users. The results of the study further the evidence that patient engagement in care can lead to behavioral change and ultimately, better results and healthier populations.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition that can lead to significant personal health consequences and increased overall healthcare costs. Treatment with PAP therapy is considered the gold standard for addressing OSA, but therapy is only effective if patients use their device as prescribed. Patients new to PAP therapy often struggle adapting to the equipment and lack of proper use puts patients' health at risk and may also prompt insurers to refuse to pay for further therapy.

"Healthcare is changing and if you're in the business of making people healthier, you're in the business of behavior change," said Dr. Mark Aloia, Senior Director of Global Clinical Research for Philips Healthcare. "Study results of SleepMapper demonstrate that technology can shape how patients respond to PAP therapy by improving engagement and motivation and ultimately leading them to a better course of treatment for their chronic condition."

To test the effectiveness of SleepMapper, researchers randomly analyzed over 15,000 patients from the Philips Respironics EncoreAnywhere database and compared adherence and usage rates between those who were provided with SleepMapper upon initial PAP setup and those who were not. Patients who were provided with SleepMapper achieved a 78 percent adherence rate based upon the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) guidelines, compared to the average 56 percent compliance rate among patients who were not provided with SleepMapper.

In addition, patients who were provided with SleepMapper slept an average of 1.4 hours longer on PAP than patients who were not provided with SleepMapper. As for new PAP patients struggling to manage and accept their therapy, 33 percent of those who engaged with SleepMapper were able to meet adherence guidelines within 90 days, compared to just 11 percent who were not provided with the tool.

Designed by a team of sleep and psychological experts from Philips Respironics with the goal of improving therapy adherence by changing patient behavior, SleepMapper is an interactive mobile and web-based application that enables patients to take a more active role in their PAP therapy and better utilize their PAP device for more effective treatment. SleepMapper engages patients by providing them with feedback on their individual adherence and therapy information, while also using empirically-tested behavior change therapies to motivate patients and keep them interested.

The approach is based on years of research on how to create sustained behavior change and takes a very personal approach to helping patients by providing the right information to the right patients at the right time.  It serves as an extension of the care team, offering tools and techniques for helping patients to adhere to and cope with PAP therapy. SleepMapper works with Philips Respironics' EncoreAnywhere patient management system and most of its System One devices to offer a complete therapy and compliance package.

To learn more about the results of this survey or the SleepMapper tool, visit the Philips booth (#600) at SLEEP 2014 or view the complete research findings at www.philips.us/sleepmapper.

To learn how Philips is improving the quality of healthcare through innovative solutions, inspired by human insights, visit www.philips.com/healthcare and follow the #SLEEP2014 conversation @PhilipsResp.

About Royal Philips:
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 112,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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SOURCE Philips Respironics