Support Group @ a DME?

[finchy]

Hello, I work @ a DME provider and want to start a support program for CPAP users who can meet with a Respiratory therapist/ Sleep Disorders Specialist. I am asking for feedback on this to see if this would be beneficial, and if anyone would want to attend something like this.

[echo]

You might look to starting / joining an AWAKE chapter in your area...
http://www.sleepapnea.org/awake/index.html
http://www.sleepapnea.org/index.html

They seem to be pretty active in some areas, and several on this forum frequent their local meetings.

[brazospearl]

Under the right circumstances this could be a great idea. In actual fact, it might not work well. An important concern would be the RT/SDS's knowledge and attitude. Looking for ways to make my therapy as successful as possible = good idea. Trying to prevent me from getting the best products or ideas = terrible idea. My local DME tried to foist off a machine with no data capability or exhale relief (even though they had written in the notes from the titration that exhale relief was beneficial to me) so I'm not too interested in hearing anything else they have to say. Again, I think the success of this would depend on the knowledge and skills of the people involved.

[finchy]

I have looked into awake meetings, and will probably go that route. The meetings would gear more toward helping users with compliance and troubleshooting and education, and not push product and what wolud work best for that individual. Thanks so much for all the info!

[kteague]

My DME used to have an RT in the office on Tuesday evenings for anyone who was having issues and wanted to stop by. It wasn't a support group, but gave tech support. Unfortunately, I witnessed the groans and rolled eyes of the RT when a man came in the door with his machine, and the person tending to me tried to do damage control by explaining to me he was there every week about something. I made a mental note to not go back, as I had no confidence that their smiles in my face were genuine.

It sounds like you are speaking of something like their setup. AWAKE provides that service but I think it's a group presentation with follow-up discussion. How much it would be utilized is anybody's guess, and largely dependent on awareness efforts. You may want to poll your nightly patients for a while to get an idea of how it would be received.