Advocacy Webinar Recording
Inpatient Respiratory Failure: Prevention Through Appropriate Identification and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is an often unrecognized contributing cause for respiratory failure in hospitalized patients. A review of literature revealed that few studies deal specifically with undiagnosed sleep apnea in the medical and non-bariatric surgical population. Multiple interventions to reduce respiratory failure due to OSA were implemented. An OSA screening tool was introduced in the adult inpatient admission process and physicians were educated, as were respiratory therapists, nurses and families of high risk patients on recognition. Utilization of oximetry increased by more than 400 percent and AutoPap usage increased by 81 percent. Unplanned transfers decreased by 43 percent and patient codes decreased by 25 percent.
Obstructive sleep apnea is an often unrecognized contributing cause for respiratory failure in hospitalized patients. A review of literature revealed that few studies deal specifically with undiagnosed sleep apnea in the medical and non-bariatric surgical population. Multiple interventions to reduce respiratory failure due to OSA were implemented. An OSA screening tool was introduced in the adult inpatient admission process and physicians were educated, as were respiratory therapists, nurses and families of high risk patients on recognition. Utilization of oximetry increased by more than 400 percent and AutoPap usage increased by 81 percent. Unplanned transfers decreased by 43 percent and patient codes decreased by 25 percent.
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This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.
Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:
- Safe
- Timely
- Effective
- Efficient
- Equitable
- Patient-centered