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Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation Systems for Olfactory Training and Field Testing
Published on: January 28, 2021
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Treatment adherence to olfactory training: a real-world observational study
M Haas1, J Raninger1, J Kaiser1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Rhinology
|October 15, 2023
Summary
Treatment adherence for olfactory training (OT) is low. Patients stop OT due to perceived improvement or lack thereof, impacting smell loss recovery. Consistent training is advised for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Olfactory training (OT) is a recommended long-term treatment for smell loss.
- Treatment adherence for OT is not well understood.
- This study investigates the reasons for poor adherence to OT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of adherence to olfactory training.
- To identify the causes of non-adherence to olfactory training.
- To correlate adherence with olfactory function outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 53 patients with olfactory dysfunction.
- Olfactory testing (Sniffin' Sticks TDI) and subjective Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline and follow-up.
- Adherence assessed via questionnaire; primary outcomes were TDI and NRS score improvements.
Main Results:
- 45 of 53 patients performed OT; 31% stopped due to perceived improvement, 51% due to lack of improvement.
- Average duration of OT use was five months.
- Discontinuing OT due to lack of perceived improvement correlated with worse TDI and NRS scores.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic adherence to OT is low, irrespective of perceived olfactory function.
- Patients discontinue OT due to satisfaction (improvement) or disappointment (no improvement).
- Consistent OT performance is crucial for maximizing olfactory recovery.
