An evaluation of heart failure clinicians' knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea

Background/aims

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a public health problem that remains under recognised. Despite obstructive sleep apnoea being associated with the incidence and progression of heart failure, clinician awareness is lacking within and across clinical specialities. This study aimed to evaluate heart failure clinicians' knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Methods

This study used a web-based, cross-sectional survey, using the modified Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Knowledge and Attitudes questionnaire among heart failure clinicians in the UK.

Results

The survey was completed by 102 heart failure clinicians. Out of a possible score of 37, the median knowledge scores were 29 (78%; interquartile range 26–31), 26 (70%; interquartile range 22–28) and 18 (49%; interquartile range 16.5–23.5) for doctors, nurses and pharmacists, respectively. The majority of doctors and nurses felt that obstructive sleep apnoea was important; however, confidence in the identification and management of obstructive sleep apnoea was low across all three groups of clinicians.

Conclusions

There is a knowledge deficit regarding the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea among heart failure clinicians.