Improving the screening process for obstructive sleep apnea in the primary care setting

Background:There is a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the primary care setting that is underdiagnosed and underreported in 75-80% of the population. If untreated, OSA has implications for long-term cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and metabolic health.Local problem:At a primary care clinic in New Jersey, patients at high risk for OSA were not being routinely screened for the condition.Methods:This project intended to address the administration of the STOP-Bang Questionnaire among asymptomatic high-risk patient populations with hypertension and/or obesity. In addition to determining each participant's level of risk for OSA, and in turn, facilitating referrals and diagnostic testing per a provider's discretion.Interventions:The STOP-Bang Questionnaire, a validated screening tool for OSA, was implemented in a primary care practice to measure levels of risk for OSA among eligible participants.Results:A total of 32 out of the 100 patients assessed were identified as high risk for OSA. After screening, 36 participants were referred for confirmatory testing.Conclusions:The STOP-Bang Questionnaire, a validated screening tool for OSA, is recommended for all asymptomatic high-risk patients, specifically for those with obesity and/or hypertension, at least annually. The use of a screening tool evaluates a level of risk, promotes detection of disease in the primary stages, delays disease progression, and improves treatment initiatives.