Date of this Version
11-25-2024
Document Type
DNP Project
Abstract
Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition defined by the blockage of airway during sleep consequentially producing changes in respiration and oxygen levels. Individuals with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and undiagnosed OSA have an increase in the recurrence of AF and incidence for Cardiovascular Accidents (CVA). OSA is largely undiagnosed and screening questionnaires, such as the STOP-Bang Questionnaire (SBQ), to assess the risk of OSA in an individual are underutilized. Purpose: This study aims to educate individuals with AF on topics related to AF, OSA, and concurrent diagnosis, as well as the likelihood of requesting SBQ as a screening tool for OSA. Participants: 15 individuals with a known diagnosis of AF enrolled in a South Florida Medicare Advantage Plan. Methodology: A quasi-experimental, Interrupted Time Series (ITS) study was conducted enrolling individuals with AF in a pre-post educational intervention. Results: Findings were measured by knowledge and likelihood. A significant improvement (t=5.05) in clinical knowledge was appreciated while findings suggest an insignificant change (t=1.521) in likelihood to request SBQ screening for OSA. Discussion: This Quality Improvement (QI) project found that an individual’s knowledge on clinical topics can be improved through an educational intervention. However, the lack of behavioral modification may be multi-factorial and warrant further research amongst larger sample sizes and cultural backgrounds. In conclusion, an individual with AF can improve their knowledge on concomitant diagnosis of OSA and screening measures, however knowledge is not the driver for behavioral modification promoting proactive health measures such as SBQ screening for OSA.
Recommended Citation
Hernandez, Jessica, "Educating patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) on screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with the STOP-Bang Questionnaire (SBQ): A Quality Improvement Project" (2024). Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing Student Projects. 336.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cnhs-studentprojects/336
