Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Emphasis on Discharge Education After Surgery

In the United States, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the adult population is increasing. More than half of the surgical patients with OSA are predisposed to increased incidence of perioperative complications. Based on the recent evidence, obstructive events are at the highest on the third day after surgery, which predisposes them for postoperative complications. The American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses recommends that discharge education on OSA should be provided after surgery to patients diagnosed with OSA to promote continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance and self-care behaviors at home. However, CPAP adherence is poor. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to evaluate the effectiveness of discharge education on OSA for increasing CPAP compliance after surgery among adult surgical patients diagnosed with OSA, who use CPAP.