The emerging role of telemedicine in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders

Abstract

Over one-third of adults are at risk of developing sleep disorders. Telemedicine is emerging as an effective tool in sleep medicine by allowing people to undergo sleep studies without overnight hospital stays (e.g. monitoring at home). Telemedicine has the potential to overcome several obstacles in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders by offering increased access to sleep specialists, enhancing health-care support for patients in their homes and providing cost-effective professional education. The initial costs for telemedicine equipment and training are not insignificant; however, the benefits may outweigh the expense over time. However, recapturing the initial costs cannot be assumed.

Defining Dimensions of Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine: An Analysis of Existing Measurement Instruments

“…Research shows that patients have a preference for active roles in the medical decision making [51]. Telemedicine may not be perceived as a replacement for traditional care [52]. As satisfaction can differ between telemedicine services and other forms of health care it should be considered in relationship to telemedicine services [22].…”

Experience with telehealth for sleep monitoring and sleep laboratory management

“…It was found that this data transfer for diagnosing sleep disorders was significantly cheaper than visiting a traditional sleep laboratory. Seibert et al 3 supported this claim in their study about the emergence of telemedicine in sleep disorders. They expressed the benefits and cost savings for individuals in rural areas or areas without a sleep clinic.…”

The Concomitant Relationship Shared by Sleep Disturbances and Type 2 Diabetes: Developing Telemedicine as a Viable Treatment Option

“…Education may help both professionals and lay people to understand that telemedicine is a health care enhancement, rather than a replacement for traditional mechanisms. 61 Furthermore, although technology is rapidly evolving to improve ease of access, people must be abetted to enable understanding. 56 Consistency in the telemedicine modality is vital for users to become comfortable with using technology, which is potentially unfamiliar to them, in hospitals and in patient homes.…”