SUCCESS RATE OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA DIAGNOSIS IN A DIRECT REFERRAL PROGRAM VERSUS STANDARD CARE

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

5-19-2025

Publication Title

Sleep

Abstract

Introduction: Henry Ford Health implemented a Direct Referral program in 2015 to streamline access to sleep testing for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study evaluates the success rate of establishing an OSA diagnosis in the Direct Referral program compared to standard care. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients referred for diagnostic sleep studies between September and December 2022 via a direct referral pathway versus the standard care pathway. Patients aged 18 years or older were included. Exclusion criteria included patients younger than 18 years and those participating in both pathways. Success was defined as completing all required sleep testing to confirm or exclude an OSA diagnosis. Results: A total of 342 patients in the Direct Referral cohort and 509 in the standard care cohort were reviewed, with 250 and 500 patients completing workup to exclude or confirm OSA diagnosis respectively. The success rate for OSA diagnosis was 60.4% (151/250) in the Direct Referral cohort and 77.4% (387/500) in the standard care cohort (p <.001). Among those completing evaluation, OSA was diagnosed in 141 patients in the Direct Referral cohort and 365 patients in the standard care cohort. Conclusion: The success rate for OSA diagnosis was significantly higher in the standard care cohort compared to the Direct Referral cohort. Enhanced counseling from sleep specialists in the standard care pathway may contribute to this difference. Efforts to improve compliance within the Direct Referral program are necessary to optimize its effectiveness.

Volume

48

First Page

A586

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