Novel Nasal High Flow Cannula Usability Performance Characteristics

Abstract

SESSION TITLE: Respiratory Care SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Poster PRESENTED ON: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM PURPOSE: Nasal high-flow therapy (HFT), delivers warm, humidified air through a small nasal cannula. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, HFT substantially decreases ventilatory demand during sleep, requiring a nasal cannula suited for extended overnight use as part of the HFT system. The goal of this study was to assess acceptance, usability of two nasal high-flow therapy cannulas thereby comparing the subjective preferences of two cannulas for use with the HFT system. METHODS: In a group of individuals with a spectrum of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity, we compared the: 1) acceptability and 2) usability of a new nasal airflow cannula. Twenty participants with COPD (10 women, 10 men; age: 56.2±13.2yrs) and 13 healthcare professionals (4 physician; 5 allied health therapist; 4 medical scientist) with experience using high flow therapy were recruited for the study. Each subject was given two cannulas [Cannula A (Optiflow, Fisher & Paykel, New Zealand) - the reference cannula; Cannula B (AcuCare, ResMed, Australia) - a newly available cannula] in random order. The order of cannulas A and B were randomized and airflow levels between 10 & 60 L/min were administered for 10-20 minutes whilst lying comfortably in bed. Each individual was asked to reposition themselves from their back to each of their sides at least on one occasion. Immediately after using each of the cannulas both the participant and healthcare professional completed acceptability and usability questionnaires (0-10 scale; where 0 is negative and 10 is positive) to determine, preference, ease of use, stability and comfort. RESULTS: COPD patients reported that there was no difference between the two cannulas ease of use and adjustment (A=9.2; B=9.7), comfort (A=8.5, B=8.8), stability (A=9.5, B=9.9), or water droplets forming in the cannula (A=8.9, B=9.8). Healthcare professionals reported that there was no difference between the two cannulas ease of use and adjustment (A=7.8; B=8.2), stability (A=9.2, B=9.3), instructions for use (A=8.7, B=8.3), or removing from the patient (A=8.9, B=9.8). Compared to Cannula B, Cannula A was reported to be slightly more noisy for both the patient and healthcare professional groups (scale point difference 1.2 and 1.7 respectively; p<0.01). In the patient group 20% preferred Cannula A, 70% preferred Cannula B and 10% had no overall preference. In the Healthcare professional group 38% preferred Cannula A, 54% preferred Cannula B and 8% had no preference. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptance and usability of the two nasal high flow cannulas was equivalent, despite less perception of noise generated by the new cannula. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The performance of the new nasal cannula is therefore suited for extended overnight use to evaluate HFT for improving ventilatory efficacy in COPD patients. DISCLOSURE: Jason Kirkness: Grant monies (from industry related sources): Sponsorship Paolo Biselli: Grant monies (from industry related sources): Sponsorship Tamas Otvos: Grant monies (from industry related sources): Sponsorship Alan Schwatrz: Grant monies (from industry related sources): Sponsorship Hartmut Schneider: Grant monies (from industry related sources): Sponsorship Mudiaga Sowho: Grant monies (from industry related sources): Sponsorship The following authors have nothing to disclose: Philip Smith Product is a new nasal cannula, designed to be more comfortable and fit better to ensure proper delivery of airflow or oxygen during treatment.