Standardizing Preoperative OSA Screening: Educating Providers on STOP-BANG

Abstract

This DNP project sought to enhance anesthesia providers' knowledge and perceived value of the STOP-BANG questionnaire (SBQ) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening. Conducted at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, it addressed the urgent need for systematic OSA screening to reduce perioperative risks. A virtual educational program improved understanding of OSA pathophysiology, perioperative risks, and evidence-based management while promoting SBQ’s routine use. Participants also received laminated SBQ badge buddies as useful practical reference tools.OSA is a common but underdiagnosed condition associated with significant perioperative risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Despite the availability of validated tools like the SBQ, routine screening remains inconsistent. This gap underscores the necessity of targeted interventions to standardize preoperative OSA screening. By educating anesthesia providers, this project sought to bridge the knowledge gap and foster consistent use of the SBQ. The project employed a pre-intervention-post-intervention design within the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework. Participants completed pre- and post-educational surveys to assess changes in knowledge and perceptions of the SBQ. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test to evaluate statistical significance, along with effect size calculations to measure the intervention's impact. This structured approach aimed to promote sustainable improvements in preoperative OSA screening practices and enhance overall patient safety and care. A total of 19 anesthesia providers were invited, and after reminders, 10 completed pre- and post-education surveys (53% response). Results showed significant improvements in Value of SBQ (mean rose from 19.300 to 22.100; p=0.007, r=0.849) and Knowledge of OSA/SBQ (p=0.016, r=0.759). Item-level analysis revealed heightened appreciation for the SBQ’s efficiency and evidence-based impact, alongside enhanced ability to distinguish OSA severity. Although participants already felt confident in pathophysiology and intraoperative management, modest gains were still observed. This DNP project aimed to enhance anesthesia providers’ OSA screening via the STOP-BANG questionnaire. A brief virtual intervention, supplemented by badge buddies, significantly improved knowledge and perceived value of SBQ. Despite a modest sample and single-site focus, the project showed feasibility, practicality, and potential to reduce perioperative complications. Future research with broader samples and objective measures could further validate SBQ’s impact on patient outcomes.