[Protocol for the management of obstructive sleep apnea by Primary Care using the STOP-Bang questionnaire and simplified diagnosis methods as screening tools in the region of Osona, Central Catalonia (Barcelona)].

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a widespread disease, but usually is an underdiagnosed and undertreated public health problem. Nowadays its study is expensive. Collaboration and involvement of all specialties are necessary, also the implementation of simplified diagnostic methods to try to improve detection, increase the diagnosis and treatment ratio.

[Implementation of simplified diagnostic method Apnealink™Air® to diagnose sleep apnea by general practioners of primary care].

Objectives: To assess diagnosis and therapeutic decisions-making by General Practitioners (GP) using ApnealinkTM® (AL) in patients with high suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in comparison with conclusions of Hospital Sleep Unit (HSU) specialists based on home respiratory polygraphy (PGR) results.

Methods: This study involved patients previously selected by HSU for sleep testing by PGR. After it, patients were offered to complete AL test.