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Implementation of a split‐night protocol to improve efficiency in assessment and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea
Author(s) -
Elshaug A. G.,
Moss J. R.,
Southcott A. M.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2005.00786.x
Subject(s) - medicine , sleep (system call) , protocol (science) , intensive care medicine , treatment protocol , alternative medicine , pathology , computer science , operating system
In Australia, unmet demand for sleep study services is resulting in protracted waiting lists and treatment delays for those in need. This present study gauged efficiency gains that could be achieved by implementing a split‐night protocol within the laboratory. Results demonstrate improved technical efficiency by at least 15%, reducing time to treatment for the most severe cases and increasing patient throughput within the clinic. With over 56 000 sleep studies carried out annually, this technique has significant utility in evidence‐based practice. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 251–254)