Date of Award

4-2021

Degree Name

Nursing (D.N.P.)

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Sandra L. Spoelstra, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN

Second Advisor

Della Hughes-Carter, DNP, RN, BC-GNP

Third Advisor

Lisa McCann-Spry, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, ONC

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adults can be screened for obstructive sleep apnea in acute care settings using the validated STOP-BANG questionnaire. Healthcare providers can treat patients with confirmed or suspected obstructive sleep apnea to reduce risk for complications during hospitalization or after surgery.

PURPOSE/ RELEVANCE TO HEALTHCARE QUALITY: To determine if the standardization of obstructive sleep apnea screening and patient care workflows improves process efficiency saving nursing time and healthcare expenses.

METHODS: Quality improvement project included an organizational assessment of healthcare system setting to define clinical problem; determined appropriate evidence-based interventions; and implemented strategies guided by quality improvement models.

INTERVENTION: Updated inpatient units to STOP-BANG questionnaire used by surgical services and educated surgical center staff how to prevent obstructive sleep apnea screening repetition.

RESULTS: Adopted STOP-BANG questionnaire on all inpatient units (N=70, 700%. Reduced screening repetition 9% (p>0.05) in the surgical center.

CONCLUSIONS/ IMPLICATIONS: The screening workflow and EHR updates initiated the standardization of OSA processes within the healthcare system. Further evaluation is needed to determine the impact interventions have on process efficiency and cost savings.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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