Abstract
Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep disorder and is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but remains widely underdiagnosed due to inconsistent and non-standardized screening practices in outpatient settings.
Local Problem: Patients with CVD were reported to be diagnosed with OSA following sleep studies at an outpatient cardiology clinic. The need for a consistent, evidence-based approach to risk-stratification and screening was recognized.
Aim: The aim of this project was to increase the sleep apnea risk stratification rate among new adult cardiology patients from 53% to at least 85% over a 16-week implementation period by incorporating the STOP-BANG questionnaire into the clinic workflow, thereby leading to increased sleep apnea screening.
Methods: 16-week implementation period of the project, the convenience sample included all new adult patients 18 years and older without a prior sleep apnea diagnosis, as well as patients with untreated sleep apnea.
Interventions: The project established a standardized process for risk stratification and screening for OSA using the validated STOP-BANG questionnaire. A total of 103 new patients completed the STOP-BANG questionnaire; after exclusions, 96 patients comprised the final project sample (n = 96).
Results: The project attained a 100% response rate for risk stratification of OSA utilizing the STOP-BANG questionnaire among all new adult patients in the cardiology clinic. There were 58 (60.4%) patients who successfully completed the sleep study.
Conclusion: Patients who were risk-stratified for sleep apnea are likely to complete a sleep study, be referred and seek treatment if found positive, and receive treatment.
Notes
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Complete reference list included in separate document file.
Sigma Membership
Beta Omega
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quality Improvement
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea Syndromes, STOP-BANG, Questionnaires, Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis, Outpatient Screening, Medical Screening, Outpatient Medical Care, Sleep Study
Recommended Citation
Mabazza, Ma Vanessa Simoy; Tanzillo, Tanya; Nguyen, Paul H.; and Nguyen, Rubina D., "Risk Stratification and Screening for Sleep Apnea in Cardiology Outpatient Setting" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 162.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/162
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-18
Risk Stratification and Screening for Sleep Apnea in Cardiology Outpatient Setting
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep disorder and is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but remains widely underdiagnosed due to inconsistent and non-standardized screening practices in outpatient settings.
Local Problem: Patients with CVD were reported to be diagnosed with OSA following sleep studies at an outpatient cardiology clinic. The need for a consistent, evidence-based approach to risk-stratification and screening was recognized.
Aim: The aim of this project was to increase the sleep apnea risk stratification rate among new adult cardiology patients from 53% to at least 85% over a 16-week implementation period by incorporating the STOP-BANG questionnaire into the clinic workflow, thereby leading to increased sleep apnea screening.
Methods: 16-week implementation period of the project, the convenience sample included all new adult patients 18 years and older without a prior sleep apnea diagnosis, as well as patients with untreated sleep apnea.
Interventions: The project established a standardized process for risk stratification and screening for OSA using the validated STOP-BANG questionnaire. A total of 103 new patients completed the STOP-BANG questionnaire; after exclusions, 96 patients comprised the final project sample (n = 96).
Results: The project attained a 100% response rate for risk stratification of OSA utilizing the STOP-BANG questionnaire among all new adult patients in the cardiology clinic. There were 58 (60.4%) patients who successfully completed the sleep study.
Conclusion: Patients who were risk-stratified for sleep apnea are likely to complete a sleep study, be referred and seek treatment if found positive, and receive treatment.
Description
Integrating the STOP-BANG Questionnaire into the cardiology clinic workflow significantly increased sleep apnea risk stratification rates from 53% to 100% within a 16-week period. Intervention improved screening consistency, follow-through for diagnostic studies, and referrals for treatment, highlighting its usefulness in enhancing patient outcomes and quality care. Seamless integration of the questionnaire into the workflow supports ongoing use and organizational adoption.