Testing the Best Time to Administer a Screening Test for Sleep Apnea Prior to Outpatient Procedures

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes abnormal pauses in breathing or periods of extremely low breathing.  Sleep apnea is often a problem with anesthesia during surgery as the anesthesia brings added risk factors to the patient with the conditions.  Questionnaires exist to determine risk factors for sleep apnea in patients to undergo surgeries, but it is not know when is the best time to administer these questionnaires to make the most difference to the patient by reducing his or her complications.  To determine when is the best time to administer the questionnaires, a survey was created to poll the opinions of various physicians.  Due to a low return rate on surveys, the data collected was not statistically significant but can be used to make recommendations.  Based on the surveys returned, it is recommended that pre-screening questionnaires be given during annual physical exams or as early in the surgery process as possible.