Sleep apnea screenings questioned

Draft recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found inadequate direct evidence to support screening for obstructive sleep apnea in asymptomatic adults.

The USPSTF recommendation noted it found no studies that evaluated the effects of screening for OSA on health outcomes, making it difficult to objectively balance the harms and benefits. The task force did find adequate evidence that treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular advancement devices (MAD) can improve intermediate outcomes for patients.

Jay Bhatt, DO, the AOA’s task force liaison, encourages osteopathic physicians to take note of the change because evidence-based recommendations can help physicians work smarter, not harder, in caring for patients.

“As clinicians, we are encouraged to perform a litany of screenings, and in this case there’s not enough evidence for us to continue. Keeping up with these recommendations helps us provide high-value care that improves outcomes, reduces costs and improves patient experience,” Dr. Bhatt added.

The USPSTF draft evidence review is available online and the task force is accepting public comments until July 11.