Publication Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Tanzillo, Tanya

Second Advisor

Nguyen, Paul

Third Advisor

Nguyen, Rubina

Degree Name

DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Department

School of Nursing

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep disorder and is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but remains widely underdiagnosed due to inconsistent and non-standardized screening practices in outpatient settings.

Local Problem: Patients with CVD were reported to be diagnosed with OSA following sleep studies at an outpatient cardiology clinic. The need for a consistent, evidence-based approach to risk-stratification and screening was recognized.

Aim: The aim of this project was to increase the OSA risk stratification rate among new adult cardiology patients from 53% to at least 85% over a 16-week implementation period by incorporating the STOP-BANG questionnaire into the clinic workflow, thereby leading to increased sleep apnea screening.

Methods: 16-week implementation period of the project, the convenience sample included all new adult patients 18 years and older without a prior sleep apnea diagnosis, as well as patients with untreated sleep apnea.

Interventions: The project established a standardized process for risk stratification and screening for OSA using the validated STOP-BANG questionnaire. A total of 103 new patients completed the STOP-BANG questionnaire; after exclusions, 96 patients comprised the final project sample (n = 96).

Results: The project attained a 100% response rate for risk stratification of OSA utilizing the STOP-BANG questionnaire among all new adult patients in the cardiology clinic. There were 58 (60.4%) patients who successfully completed the sleep study.

Conclusion: Patients who were risk-stratified for sleep apnea are likely to complete a sleep study, be referred and seek treatment if found positive, and receive treatment.

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