NON-INVASIVE RESPIRATORY MONITORING FOR THE EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IN THE POSTOPERATIVE SETTING

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that is characterized by periods of inadequate ventilation and apnea resulting from a narrowing of the tissue in the upper airway (Kapur et al., 2017). It is estimated that up to 14% of men and 5% of women from the ages of 30 to 70 years are affected by the condition (Peppard et al., 2013). Despite its significant prevalence, it is estimated that upwards of 90% of patients with OSA may be undiagnosed, which may be problematic for patients presenting for elective surgery (Hiestand et al., 2006). A proposed intervention to help improve the safety of patients with OSA in the postoperative setting is the implementation of non-invasive monitoring of minute ventilation in patients who have been diagnosed with OSA, and patients who have not been diagnosed with OSA but have multiple risk factors identified during preoperative screening.  The purpose of this project is to create an evidence-based education workshop to facilitate the appropriate implementation of the ExSpiron non-invasive respiratory monitor in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Importantly, due to the global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the project was unable to be completed as originally planned. If completed in original form, emphasis would have been placed on improving nurse confidence in the appropriate use of the ExSpiron monitor system and management of patients with obstructive breathing patterns. The aims included providing education to PACU staff on the use of this monitoring technology. The project sample would have included all RNs working in the PACU involved in direct patient care who have received an in-service educational session on the ExSpiron monitor. Two educational sessions would have been conducted on separate occasions with a pre- and post-education evaluation. A Likert scale would have been utilized to establish participants’ knowledge level and confidence regarding use of the ExSpiron monitor before and after the education session.  As previously discussed, the project was unable to be completed in its original form. Ultimately, it was hypothesized that this could promote the early identification of obstructive breathing patterns, resulting in prompt interventions and increased patient safety.