Parental perceptions of home Cardio respiratory sleep studies for children during Covid-19 pandemic

Background: This study looks at the parental views of home Cardio Respiratory Sleep Studies (CRSS) during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic all sleep studies were done as an inpatient at children’s hospital. Objectives: To ascertain whether or not CRSS are successful at home. Methods: A random selection of 50 patients was done from the electronic database at a large tertiary children’s hospital. These sleep studies were done between June 2020-Dec 2020. Parents were asked a series of pre-defined questions on telephone. Results: 30 parents agreed for this qualitative survey. 100% of parents agreed that the explanation received on equipment was adequate and easy to follow. 19/30 had a previous sleep study done in hospital. Of these, 14 agreed that the child slept better being at home compared to if they were in hospital. 19/30 would prefer home sleep studies over hospital studies. Of these, 14 said the reason for this was comfort and ease, while 4 said it was due to Covid-19. After pandemic is over 83.3% of parents agree that we should continue to offer home sleep studies after the pandemic is over. Overall, the view was that the home sleep study is easy to set up and convenient, especially for parents with other children to look after. Most parents would like for CRSS to continue after the pandemic, however, would like to have the option of having one done in hospital if more information is needed from the study. Conclusion: Home CRSS should be continued after the Covid-19 pandemic for routine appointments, however the option a sleep study done in the hospital should be kept open for patients who struggle at home, in-depth study like polysomnogram or for titration of ventilators.