STOP-Bang Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Preoperative Patients: A Quality Improvement Project.

PURPOSE: Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results in increased morbidity and mortality. It is important to screen preoperative patients for OSA risks in order to plan for adverse events during operations. This project implemented OSA screening and education with preoperative patients and referred them for further evaluation and diagnosis.

DESIGN: Quality improvement project.

METHODS: STOP-Bang was implemented with 32 preoperative patients at an ambulatory surgery center to screen and educate patients about OSA risks and refer them for further evaluation.

FINDINGS: At follow-up, 46.9% out of the 32 patients reported further consultation with their primary care providers, among whom, 60% further consulted a sleep medicine practitioner and completed a sleep study. Screening and education, support from significant others, and collaboration between healthcare professionals are facilitators to seeking OSA evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS: Implementing OSA screening and education for preoperative patients is beneficial for further evaluation and diagnosis.