Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the unique experiences of people with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) who source their treatment through community pharmacies.

Methods

A qualitative study employing the phenomenological approach was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive convenience sample of 20 participants were conducted. Twenty participants were recruited from community pharmacies offering continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) device provision and a teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim, coded using Nvivo8 software and analysed based on the ‘framework’ method.

Key findings

The quality and delivery of information at diagnosis was reported to have been inappropriate for participants' personal needs. Many barriers emerged in regards to CPAP use, consistent with current literature. Participants' self-reported individual styles, coping practices and health beliefs appeared to be the most influential factors in CPAP uptake and adherence, regardless of mechanical advancements and environmental support. High satisfaction was expressed with CPAP obtainment from pharmacy services listing convenience and good service as notable characteristics.

Conclusions

Community pharmacies have the potential to increase OSA awareness and improve optimal usage of CPAP. Psychosocial based models of adherence intervention could potentially be implemented through CPAP providers, including the community pharmacy, to address some of these factors which impede CPAP adherence.

This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://dbpia.nl.go.kr/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)
You do not currently have access to this article.