A new tool to screen patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea in the primary care setting: a prospective multicenter study.

Background: The coordination between different levels of care is essential for the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The objective of this multicenter project was to develop a screening model for OSA in the primary care setting.

Methods: Anthropometric data, clinical history, and symptoms of OSA were recorded in randomly selected primary care patients, who also underwent a home sleep apnea test (HSAT).

Primary care and sleep unit agreement in management decisions for sleep apnea: a prospective study in Spain.

Study Objectives: Involvement of primary care teams in the care of patients with OSA is a focus of interest. The study objective was to compare diagnostic and therapeutic agreement between decisions taken by primary care professionals and sleep unit specialists.

Methods: This was a prospective multicenter study conducted at primary care and specialized care centers in the urban area of Barcelona, Spain.

Coordinated program between primary care and sleep unit for the management of obstructive sleep apnea.

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a work model in the primary health-care setting for identifying patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) based on clinical variables and an ambulatory sleep monitoring study. After screening, patients with mild-moderate OSAHS could be managed by primary care physicians, whereas those identified with severe OSAHS would be referred to specialists from sleep units for starting specific treatment. The proposed model does not move the entire health-care process to a generally overburdened primary care level and favors the coordinated work and the necessary flexibility to adapt the model to challenges and perspectives of OSAHS.