Using a New System for Screening Sleep Apnea Syndrome Based on Simplified All-night Polysomnography

Abstract

Objective: Until now, the facility has conducted sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) screening tests using a pulse oximeter and sleep recorder; however, the number of devices was limited. To increase the number of examinations, improve the accuracy of examinations, and collect many potential patients with SAS, we outsourced from 2019 and changed to examinations using a simple polysomnography (simplified PSG) device, and compared and examined the results before and after introduction.

Methods: In FY2018, the rate of patients requiring further investigation based on the results and the number of patients with SAS underwent tests using pulse oximeters and sleep recorders managed at the facility. In FY2019, the tests were outsourced and a simple PSG was used to compare the number of SAS tests performed.

Results: The number of tests performed was more than that if doubled, increasing from 36 to 77. The percentage of test results requiring further investigation increased from 31% to 55%, percentage of replies from healthcare providers increased from 18% to 64%, and number of patients with SAS increased from 2 to 21.

Conclusion: Changing to the SAS screening test using a simple PSG device and eliminating the device limitations by outsourcing the test were effective in collecting many potential patients with SAS. By reviewing the test flow and following up after the test, we were able to connect many patients with SAS for treatment.