Improving Provider AASM Guideline Adherence for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea

With an estimated 10% of the United States adult population impacted by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a protocol was created to increase clinical provider adherence to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine's Clinical Guidelines for OSA. Clinic provider responsibilities included screening patients ≥ 18 years old using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), referring patients scoring > 9 for a sleep study, educating patients diagnosed with OSA regarding disease and treatment options, prescribing treatment and short-term follow-up. After providing education and resources, 72% of patients ≥ 18 years of age were screened and 19 patients with a positive screen and OSA diagnosis had reduced OSA severity after treatment.