[Importance of the emotional dimension when providing information to patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

INTRODUCTION: To promote adaptation to treatment with continuous positive airway pressure, an information document was developed for people starting their treatment with continuous positive airway pressure.

METHODS: Seven patients with obstructive sleep apnea took part in a focus group. This allowed the identification both of useful information and the best way that this information could be presented.

RESULTS: The key specific information objectives and the best emotional register to use were as follows: (1) develop awareness about the physiological mechanisms and consequences that can occur from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, using formulations arousing fear, (2) enable the recognition of the symptoms, risk factors and chronicity of this syndrome, (3) reassure and motivate the patient about treatment with continuous positive airway pressure.

CONCLUSIONS: To promote adaptation to positive airway pressure in early care, combining different emotional tones is preferable, mixing both fear and reassurance.