DescriptionThe purpose of this quality improvement project is to exemplify the need for the implementation of an evidence-based screening tool (STOP-Bang) in the primary care setting, to help identify individuals who are likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that disturbs breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea results from upper airway impediment due to hypotonia and collapse of the posterior pharyngeal muscles. Patients, who suffer from OSA, momentarily cease, or decrease their breathing (apnea or hypopnea) continually during sleep. This breathing disordered chronic illness is directly associated with multiple co morbidities that could potently bring serious health sequalae if left untreated.
Among the risk factors associated with OSA, research have shown that age and obesity are also contributing factors associated with the increased rate of OSA. According to the American Academy of Sleep Apnea, there are at least 25 million adults affected with OSA. This chronic disease is categorized as a public health and safety issue (AASA, 2014). Clinical research has shown devastating results for untreated and undiagnosed OSA, by increasing healthcare expenditure and causing a significant load on today’s healthcare system (Kapur et al., 2017). The STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) was identified as the evidence-based screening tool with the highest sensitivity and specificity to help identify individuals at risk to develop obstructive sleep apnea.