Improving Outcomes for Patients with OSA Receiving Anesthesia

Author

Natalie BramFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-8-2020

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Cynthia Schmidt, PhD, RN

Project Team Faculty Member

Andrew Griffin, PhD, CRNA, APN

Keywords

OSA, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, STOP BANG questionnaire, Sleep Disorder, screening, anesthesia

Abstract

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a dangerous sleep disorder that is rising in prevalence, afflicting 29.4 million Americans or 12% of the U.S. population (AASM, 2017). Although OSA has the ability to negatively impact postoperative outcomes, numerous patients remain undiagnosed, unidentified, and improperly treated for OSA at the time of surgery (Baugh, 2013; Opperer et al., 2016). Evidence supports the STOP-BANG questionnaire as an effective, easy to use, and highly sensitive tool for screening patients for OSA (Chiu et al., 2016; Dolezal et al., 2011; Lakdawala, Dickey, & Alrawashdeh, 2018).

A 137-bed hospital had no standing preoperative protocol for the assessment of OSA. Using evidence-based materials, the staff was provided the education needed to identify patients with undiagnosed OSA by using the STOP-BANG questionnaire during surgical assessments. An evaluation survey was provided to the staff to evaluate the effectiveness of the training; the results were positive. Although training was completed, and staff was supportive, full implementation of the questionnaire did not occur due to lack of leadership support, unreliable inter-professional communication, and inconsistent staff and work schedules. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is not currently in use, and to date, no patients have been evaluated for OSA.

Recommended Citation

Bram, Natalie, "Improving Outcomes for Patients with OSA Receiving Anesthesia" (2020). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 82.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/82

Download Full Text Above