Knowledge of Sleep Apnea in a Sample Grouping of Primary Care Physicians

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine four groups of primary care physicians' knowledge of sleep apnea. Methods: Using a 36-item questionnaire, we investigated how cognizant primary care physicians in Ontario, Canada, were of sleep apnea and its different symptoms. The questions covered incidence, diagnosis, treatment, and medical and social ramifications of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea surveys were administered to small groups of primary care physicians attending educational conferences or were distributed by mail to physicians who had previously referred patients to the sleep clinic. Results: A total of 151 physicians responded to the survey. An overall average score of 69% was obtained on the questionnaire. Conclusions: This score suggests that the physicians sampled in this pilot study are relatively underinformed about the clinical features and medical and social ramifications associated with sleep apnea.

KEYWORD

Sleep apnea - primary care physicians - medical education - diagnosis

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