Correlational Study of Sleep Apnea Patient Characteristics With Discharge Locations.

PURPOSE: To determine if a correlation exists between OSA patient characteristics and the PACU discharge location; and the characteristics of the patients at-risk for low saturation levels, increased number of desaturations, and longer length of stay in the PACU.

DESIGN

Retrospective, correlational study design.

METHOD: Chart review of OSA patients ≥ 18 years old. Correlational analysis was performed between 15 high risk patient variables and the PACU discharge disposition: home or monitored bed. Complications resulting in monitored bed admission were reviewed.

FINDINGS: 153 patients' charts were reviewed. The results showed that age>60, ASA classification, anesthesia type and narcotics use in the PACU were significantly correlated (p≤.05) with a patient's discharge disposition.

DISCUSSION: The findings are consistent with other OSA research except BMI was not significant in this study.

CONCLUSION

The results highlighted areas for future research and implications for clinical practice that would enable the perioperative care team to deliver safe care based on evidence.