Perspectives on primary care management of obstructive sleep apnea: a qualitative study of patients and health care providers

Difficulties in providing timely access to care have prompted interest in primary care delivery models for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sustainable implementation of such models requires codesign with input from key stakeholders. The purpose of this study was to identify patient and provider persp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of clinical sleep medicine Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 89 - 98
Main Authors:	Pendharkar, Sachin R, Blades, Kenneth, Kelly, Jenny E, Tsai, Willis H, Lien, Dale C, Clement, Fiona, Woiceshyn, Jaana, McBrien, Kerry A
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States American Academy of Sleep Medicine 01-01-2021
Subjects:	Canada Health Personnel Humans Primary Health Care Qualitative Research Scientific Investigations Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - therapy Canada obstructive sleep apnea primary health care ambulatory care health care delivery stakeholder participation
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Summary:	Difficulties in providing timely access to care have prompted interest in primary care delivery models for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sustainable implementation of such models requires codesign with input from key stakeholders. The purpose of this study was to identify patient and provider perspectives on barriers and facilitators to optimal, patient-centered management of OSA in a primary care setting. This study was conducted in Alberta, Canada. Data from key stakeholders were collected through an online survey of primary care providers (n = 119), focus groups and interviews with patients living with OSA (n = 28), and workshops with primary care and sleep providers (n = 36). Quantitative survey data were reported using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Several barriers were identified, including poor specialist access, variable primary care providers knowledge of OSA, and lack of clarity about provider roles for OSA management. Barriers contributed to patients being poorly informed about OSA, leading them to separate OSA from their overall health and eroding trust in the system. Suggestions for improvement included integration of care providers in a comprehensive model of care, facilitated by improved system navigation and more effective use of technology. Themes were consistent across data collection methods and between stakeholder groups. Although primary care delivery models may improve access to OSA management, stakeholders identified important challenges in the current system. Innovative models of care, developed with input from patients and providers, may mitigate barriers and support optimal primary care management of OSA.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	1550-9389 1550-9397
DOI:	10.5664/JCSM.8814