HME Awareness: Empowering Patients

Patients who have undergone a total laryngectomy experience significant changes to their breathing, speaking, and swallowing function, requiring specialized products to address their unique medical needs and optimize their quality of life. Despite strong evidence that using a heat-and-moisture exchanger (HME) is essential for pulmonary health¹, many patients face barriers adhering to continuous use. Challenges such as difficulty accessing supplies, misconceptions about proper HME use, and difficulty finding the right stomal attachment can disrupt a patient’s ability to develop a product routine that works best for them.

Atos Medical has long been a partner in helping patients navigate product-related challenges by offering insurance support and education that complements the care provided by their clinician. Clinical Navigators on the Case Management Team focus on delivering information and resources that empower patients to establish routines suited to their lifestyle goals—always in alignment with their clinician’s recommendations.

Recent evidence has shown that using two HMEs per day (24/7) and using the HME with the highest humidification tolerated for a given activity leads to better pulmonary outcomes for patients.^1,2 The Clinical Navigators developed the HME Awareness Program with the goal of helping patients establish optimal day/night routines to support pulmonary health and quality of life. The value of individualized patient education was evident during the HME Awareness Pilot. 90% of participants achieved their personal goal and 88% achieved a positive change on one or more of the targeted measures of coughing, mucus, and sleep.

HME Awareness Program details:

The Atos Medical HME Awareness Program is a 4-6 week program directed at increasing patient adherence to the use of HMEs as prescribed by their healthcare professional (HCP).  

To participate, patients must have a valid Atos prescription with a minimum of 60 Provox Life HMEs/month. If patients are interested but do not meet the criteria, a Clinical Navigator can explore personalized options for patients. 

The HME Awareness Program consists of four components.

• The Initial Questionnaire establishes a patient’s baseline and personal goal.
• The Symptom Tracker monitors breathing, coughing, mucus, and sleep in real time.
• Clinical Navigators will provide weekly support for ongoing education and personalized guidance.
• The Wrap-Up Questionnaire is then completed to review progress and address remaining barriers.

Patients can choose their preferred communication method—phone, email, or U.S. mail. The program is offered at no cost, though patients are responsible for any product expenses not covered by insurance. 

We’re proud to offer the HME Awareness Program, empowering patients to set meaningful goals and take proactive steps toward improving their quality of life.

For more information about the program and to view the brochure, click the button below!

References:

Ward  EC, Hancock K, Boxall J, et al. Post-laryngectomy pulmonary and related symptom changes following adoption of an optimal day-and-night heat and moisture exchanger (HME) regimen. Head & Neck. 2023; 45(4): 939-951. doi:10.1002/hed.27323 

Longobardi, Y., J. Galli, T. Di Cesare, et al. (2022). "Optimizing Pulmonary Outcomes After Total Laryngectomy: Crossover Study on New Heat and Moisture Exchangers." Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg: 1945998221086200.