Sleep, Snoring, and Surgery: OSA Screening Matters.

PURPOSE

This study was aimed to identify potential obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in ambulatory surgical patients and create perianesthesia nursing protocols using a reliable and validated screening tool.

DESIGN

Descriptive survey.

METHODS

A nurse-initiated OSA survey was conducted in 1,118 preoperative ambulatory patients using the STOP-Bang Questionnaire to identify patients at risk for OSA. The findings resulted in the development of protocols, patient education, and interventions.

FINDINGS

Ambulatory surgical patients were not routinely assessed for OSA before this study. The study verified that 10% of patients scheduled for ambulatory elective surgery had undiagnosed OSA and, because of the OSA identification, 16% of all scheduled surgeries were canceled. There were no unnecessary hospitalizations after the nurse-initiated OSA protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

The STOP-Bang Questionnaire is a useful tool for screening patients with risks of OSA in the ambulatory surgical setting. This study supports using nursing best practices and safe patient care.