EncoreBasic instructions

The following 15 slides and Help Documents are to help guide users of the EncoreBasic software package (used on Philips-Respironics CPAP machines).

Many thanks to Apnea Board member dcgrafix for his work on this information.

EncoreBasic Instructional Pictures

Slide 1 - Downloading from device

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Slide 2 - Initializing Card

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Slide 3 - Assign card

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Slide 4 - Checkbox options

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Slide 5 - Click on Download button

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Slide 6 - Media check

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Slide 7 - Click exit box

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Slide 8 - Check of Exit completion

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Slide 9 - Click on History button

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Slide 10 - Selecting date range for report

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Slide 11 - Viewing waveform report

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Slide 12 - Cycling through the pages

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Slide 13 - Chart explanations

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Slide 14 - Saving or printing reports

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Slide 15 - Therapy flags

Help Documents

Overview

The EncoreBasic software allows you to download therapy data generated by Respironics' therapy devices to your computer using SmartCard/SD card readers. You can then generate, view, save, and print usage reports based on the downloaded data.  The software also includes the ability to create new or updated prescriptions, store them, and transmit them to Respironics' therapy devices. Using EncoreBasic involves the following operations:

• Entering company information and default settings (usually a one-time effort).
• Adding patients.
• Adding physicians.
• Downloading therapy/device data from media cards to your computer.
• Adding prescriptions.
• Viewing, saving, and printing reports.
• You can also export patient data for use in EncorePro 2 (version 2.2 or later).

  Reports are displayed and may be saved as PDF (Portable Document Format) files.  

Intended Use

EncoreBasic is a Windows-based desktop application which allows clinicians to download their patients' Respironics' CPAP therapy device data and to view reports derived from the data. Clinicians can view, print, and save reports based on patients' sleep therapy data. Data can be erased from a data card, but it cannot be edited. The software also includes the ability to create new or updated prescriptions, store them, and transmit them to Respironics' therapy devices. Clinicians can also export a single patient’s data for importing into an EncorePro 2 (version 2.2 or later) database.

EncoreBasic does not perform automatic scoring or diagnosis.  The information it provides is only one of several elements to consider when evaluating patient compliance with therapy.  

What's New in this Release

This version of EncoreBasic supports the following new CPAP devices: REMstar Plus (System One 60 Series); U.S., International REMstar Pro (System One 60 Series); International REMstar Auto (System One 60 Series); International BiPAP Pro (System One 60 Series); U.S., International BiPAP Auto (System One 60 Series); U.S., International   This version of EncoreBasic also supports the following new humidifiers in U.S. and International markets:

• System One
• System One (60 Series)
• System One (60 Series) Heated Tube

 

Patients and Interaction History

The Patients window lists the patients currently stored in your EncoreBasic system. You can reorder the displayed list of patients by clicking on any of the column headings. You can also change the ascending () or descending () order by clicking the column heading again.

To filter the patients:

1. Click in the filter row directly under the column heading of your choice and begin typing characters that you would expect to be in that column for the patient(s) you want to find.   For example, under Name, type SM and all patients whose last name begins with "SM" (such as Smith) will be displayed together at the top of the list. The letters you type for a name are not case-sensitive.

2. Remove all characters from the filter row to set the patient list back to its original state.

3. Click on a patient's name to view the patient's details and interaction history.

  The Patient Detail window lists the patient's demographic information and complete interaction history. This is also the area from which you can view, save, print, and delete reports as well as export patient data and download device data. In addition to viewing the patient's interaction history from here, you can also create or edit prescriptions by selecting the Prescription tab.    

Adding a Patient

New patients are added to the system from the Patients window.

To add a new patient:

1. Click on Add New in the Patients window. The Add Patient window opens.

2. Enter the patient's name and contact information in the spaces provided. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.

3. Enter or choose personalized report settings for the patient, if necessary.

Notes: By default, patients added to a company are given the same settings as established for the company in the Settings window. However, a patient's settings can be changed from the company defaults. The presence of a green circle adjacent to a setting indicates that the value set for the patient is the same as set for the company. You can override this value. Clicking the Reset to Company Default button (if displayed) resets the corresponding values back to the company's values.

4. Click Save to store the patient in the system and close the window.  

Deleting a Patient

To delete a patient:

1. Locate the patient on the Patients window.

2. Click on the patient's name. The Patient Detail window opens.

3. Click the Delete button. A confirmation message is displayed.

4. Click the Yes button to acknowledge the confirmation message and delete the patient from your system.   The confirmation message is closed and the Patients window opens.   

Exporting Patient Data

The Export function allows you to export patient data from EncoreBasic for use in EncorePro 2. Only the currently displayed patient can be exported. To export the current patient's record:

1. Locate the patient on the Patients window.

2. Click on the patient's name. The Patient Detail window opens.

3. Click the Export button. The Export Patient window opens.

4. Choose a folder in which to store the file and click Save. By default, the file name created consists of the patient name, patient ID, and a ".exp" extension.  

Editing Patient Data

To edit a patient's information:

1. Locate the patient on the Patients window.

2. Click on the patient's name. The Patient Detail window opens.

3. Click the Edit button. The Edit Patient window opens.

4. Change the information shown as necessary.

Notes: By default, patients added to a company are given the same settings as established for the company in the Settings window. However, a patient's settings can be changed from the company defaults. The presence of a green circle indicates that the value set for the patient is the same as set for the company. You can override this value. Clicking the Reset to Company Default button (if displayed) resets the corresponding values back to the company's values.

5. Click the Save button when finished. Your changes are saved and the Edit Patient window is closed.  

Note: For reference, to directly access the EncoreBasic data files, first enable "Show Hidden Files and Drives" and you can then view the data files, located here:
"Your Drive">Users>"Your User Name">AppData>Local>Respironics>EncoreBasic>Data

Viewing, Saving, and Printing Reports

All reports are available from the Patient Detail window in the History tab. Many types of reports are available: Oximetry, Waveform, Summary, Trend, and Detail.

To view and/or print an interaction report:

1. Locate the patient on the Patients window.

2. Click on the patient's name. The Patient Detail window opens.

3. Click the History tab.

4. Locate the interaction of interest and click the type of report to view: For example,   (oximetry), (waveform), Summary, Trend or Detail. A Select Report Date window opens.

5. Select a report date (for oximetry or waveform reports) or (for summary, trend or detail reports) select the All Data option to report on all data in the current download, or select the Date Range option and choose specific start and end dates using the calendar controls provided.

6. (Optional) Click the View button to view the report as a PDF in the View Report window. To save, print, and navigate through the report from within the View Report window, click the applicable icon located above the report. To close the View Report window, click the X box in the upper-right corner of the window.

7. (Optional) Click the Save button to save the report as a PDF file.

8. (Optional) Click the Print button to send the report directly to your default printer.  

Deleting an Interaction

To delete a downloaded interaction for a patient:

1. Locate the patient on the Patients window.

2. Click on the patient's name. The Patient Detail window opens.

3. Click the History tab.

4. Locate the interaction to delete and click on its associated Delete link.    

Utilities Menu

Several utilities are available from the Utilities menu:

• Preview Download
• Erase Device Data
• Initialize Media
• Settings

Glossary

A-Flex An algorithm for adjusting CPAP pressure during the later stage of inspiration and during exhalation to improve patient comfort based on a user-defined gain setting.

AHI   Apnea/Hypopnea Index. A count of apnea and hypopnea events per hour.  When the AHI is greater than 15, the patient is likely to complain of excessive daytime sleepiness.  When the AHI is greater than 30, the patient is at increased risk for cardiovascular complications.

Apnea An apnea is indicated if there is an 80% reduction in airflow for 10 seconds compared to the average airflow over an extended period of several minutes or if there is no airflow detected for 10 seconds.

ASV Automatic Servo-Ventilation. Pertains to a low-pressure, electrically driven ventilator system with electronic pressure control. The device’s pressure controls are adjusted to deliver pressure support for patient ventilatory assistance. The device augments patient breathing by supplying pressurized air through a patient circuit. It senses the patient’s breathing effort by monitoring airflow in the patient circuit and adjusts its output to assist in inhalation and exhalation. Auto-CPAP Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) that automatically titrates the pressure up and down based on the varying requirements of the patient.

AVAPS Average Volume Assured Pressure Support therapy mode Average AHI The average AHI (Apnea/Hypopnea Index) is the total number of apneas and hypopneas that occurred during sleep divided by the number of therapy hours. Average Hours of Use The total number of hours each patient received therapy divided by the total number of days covered by the available therapy data that span the report's date range. Average Time in Apnea Per Day Total hours the patient spent in Apnea divided by the total days with device usage. Average Time in Large Leak Per Day Displays the average amount of time the patient spent with excessive air leakage that will compromise therapy. This could be the result of poor mask fitting.

Bi-Flex A small amount of pressure relief (levels of 1, 2, or 3) applied during the latter stages of inspiration and during active exhalation (the beginning part of exhalation). Bi-Level Two different positive pressure levels (IPAP/EPAP). The dual pressure levels provide a more natural means of delivering pressure support therapy to the patient resulting in improved patient comfort. The pressure toggles between an inspiratory and an expiratory pressure during spontaneous breathing.

BPM Breaths per Minute

C-Flex A small amount of pressure relief applied during active exhalation (the beginning part of exhalation).

cm H2O Measurement unit of pressure; centimeters of water.

Compliance The consistency and accuracy with which a patient follows the regimen prescribed by a physician or other health professional.

Compliance Graph Provides a view of the patient's therapy usage and the patient's  compliance.

CPAP Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Daily Events Per Hour Number of events per hour for one night of therapy.

Date Range Period of time included in a compliance download or on a report.

DME Distributor of Durable Medical Equipment

EPAP Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure

Flow Limitation Index Changes in flow limitation are recorded as events. The Flow Limitation Index is calculated by the total number of flow limitation events per night divided by the hours of use. Note: The average is calculated by taking the total number of events divided by the number of therapy days. This can be used to indicate if there has been a significant degradation in the flow signal, resulting in a pressure increase.

GMT Greenwich Mean Time (time zone)

HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (August 21), Public Law 104-191, which amends the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986. Also known as the Kennedy-Kassebaum Act. Title II includes a section, known as "Administrative Simplification," that requires:  1. Improved efficiency in healthcare delivery by standardizing electronic data interchange, and 2. Protection of confidentiality and security of health data through setting and enforcing standards.

Hours of Usage Shows patterns of use displayed by date.

Hypopnea An hypopnea is indicated if there is approximately 40% reduction in airflow for a duration of between 10 and 60 seconds, compared to the average airflow over an extended period of several minutes. Following a reduction in airflow, the therapy device must see two recovery breaths in order to label the event as a potential hypopnea.

Hypopnea Index The Hypopnea Index is calculated by the total number of hypopnea events per night divided by the hours of use.

IPAP Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure

Leak The amount of air leakage in the patient circuit.

LL Large Leak. The total number of minutes of air leakage from a patient's mask during a therapy session.

LPM Liters per Minute

LS Value Low Saturation value (related to oximetry). The value (percentage) is used to depict the LS line in the SpO2 and other graphs in the compliance reports.

MaP Minutes at Pressure

Mean Pressure Average device pressure multiplied by the time at pressure divided by the total time in the device.

Minimum Therapy Time The minimum number of hours of usage per day to be compliant.

Minute Vent The average minute ventilation (tidal volume x rate) measured per hour of use.

MPAP Micro Positive Airway Pressure (can also be Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure).

NRAH Index Non-Responsive Apnea/Hypopnea Index. A non-responsive apnea/hypopnea flag is generated when a patient has apneas and/or hypopneas that do not respond to increased pressure from a pressure therapy device. It is detected when the patient has at least 2 apneas and/or hypopneas, the pressure level of the therapy device increases at least 3 cm H2O, and the patient continues to have apneas and/or hypopneas.  Total Events / Total Session Hours = Index.

Obstructive Apnea Obstructive Apnea (OA) is a temporary cessation of airflow without an accompanying cessation of respiratory effort.

Obstructive Apnea Index The Obstructive Apnea Index is calculated by the total number of Obstructive Apnea  events per night divided by the hours of use.

OSA Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Oximetry Oximetry is a procedure for measuring the concentration of oxygen in the blood.

Patient Summary Reports Patient summary reports display a summary of each patient’s therapy.

Patient-Triggered Breaths Breaths initiated by the patient.

Patterns of Use Displays the total daily usage time of the therapy device.

PC Pressure Control therapy mode

PCMCIA A type of connector (port). Short for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, and pronounced as separate letters. On many laptop computers, there will be a PCMCIA slot where a PCMCIA device (e.g., SmartCard reader/writer) can be connected.

PCP Primary Care Physician

Peak Average Pressure The largest average CPAP Pressure in the date range.

Percent Compliance The percentage of days that the patient received therapy for more than the minimum therapy hours setting.

Percent Compliance Graph Shows the percent of compliance for each mode of therapy.

Pressure Pressure settings and average delivered pressures are indicated as colored lines on reports.

Ramp Pressure During ramp time, a patient starts therapy at a pressure lower than the prescription. The pressure is incrementally increased over time while the patient is falling asleep.

Ramp Time The time over which the pressure increases from the initial low-value, to the prescription value.

RDI Respiratory Disturbance Index

REMstar Auto Flags Measurements recorded in 30 second intervals for the following measures: NR = Non-Responsive Apnea/Hypopnea event OA = Obstructive Apnea event H = Hypopnea event FL = Flow Limitation event S = Snoring event AHI = Apnea/Hypopnea Index (the sum of the Apneas and Hypopneas during the night divided by the number of therapy hours).

SD Card An SD Card (Secure Digital Card) is an integrated circuit which is housed in a compact, rugged plastic enclosure.  SD Cards are designed to store data and to enable the transfer of data between devices equipped with SD Card slots.

Session A length of time in which therapy has been delivered with breaks lasting no more than one hour.

Sleep Therapy Flags Measurements recorded in 30 second intervals for the following measures: OA = Obstructive Apnea event H = Hypopnea event  S = Snoring event AHI = Apnea/Hypopnea Index (the sum of the Apneas and Hypopneas during the night divided by the number of therapy hours).

SmartCard A type of memory card inserted in some therapy devices that records the patient's device usage information. The SmartCard can be removed for easy download of the data into EncorePro, EncoreBasic, EncoreAnywhere, and EncoreViewer.

SmartCard Reader/Writer The SmartCard reader/writer is used to download compliance data from a SmartCard.

Snore A loud upper airway breathing sound during sleep, without episodes of apnea.

Tidal Volume The amount of air passing in and out of the lungs for each breath.

Total AHI The sum of the Apneas and Hypopneas divided by the number of therapy hours.

USB Connector Universal Serial Bus. This type of connector can be used to connect peripheral devices (e.g., mice, keyboards, SmartCard reader/writer).

VAPS Volume Assured Pressure Support, breath by breath correction towards a target tidal volume.

Vibratory Snore (VS) Index The Vibratory Snore Index is the total number of vibratory snoring events per night divided by the hours of use.

VTE Estimated average exhaled tidal volume.

Additional Information

(additional info should be added here)

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