Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder and has been associated with several adverse medical consequences such as cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive deficit, depression, poor quality of life, motor vehicle collision and premature deaths. Despite the importance of patient education materials (PEMs) in OSA management, there has been little research to evaluate patients’ experiences, challenges and perspectives regarding PEMs designed for individuals with OSA.

The primary goal of this study is to evaluate patients’ perspectives regarding the accessibility (look, language, content etc), understandability, trustworthiness, and general usability of patient education materials designed for patients with OSA.

This opportunity is looking for patient partners and patient participants.

This opportunity is looking for patient partners to join as active and equal members of the research team and collaborate on participant recruitment strategies, co-developing focus group/interview question guides that will help capture meaningful and relevant information in ways that are inclusive and safe. This includes facilitating focus groups of 4-5 patient participants each, and helping to write up research results in ways that are accessible, useful and useable to those living with OSA.

We are looking for those with lived experience of OSA to join in 60-90 minute focus groups beginning in December 2022. Those unable, or uncomfortable to join focus groups, are also able to share their experiences and perspectives in an individual interview.

Patient partners will be asked to collaborate on the different roles in the research project as they are interested and able.
Patient participant contribution to focus groups or interviews is anticipated to be approximately 60-90 minutes.

Patient partners will be offered $25/hour compensation as per AbSPORU guidelines. See here.

Patient participants will be offered a $25 pre-paid gift card as a token of appreciation for their contribution to the focus group/interview.