
To establish an innovative clinical pathway for the diagnosis and treatment of Veterans with obstructive sleep apnea who live in remote and rural areas.
Obstructive sleep apnea characterized by the repetitive closure of the throat during sleep. It is more common than asthma and diabetes.
Veterans with sleep apnea are at increased risk of hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, and motor vehicle and work-related accidents.
In-laboratory overnight sleep testing, the current gold standard diagnostic test, is expensive and requires specialized facilities.
There are only about 60 VA sleep laboratories nationally, limiting Veterans’ access to the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder, especially those Veterans living in remote and rural areas.
Emily Baron, MD Malcolm Randall VAMC, Gainesville FL
Dan Gottlieb, MD VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
Cesar Liendo, MD Overton Brooks VAMC, Shreveport, LA
Dan O’Hearn, MD Portland VAMC, Portland OR
Kingman Strohl, MD Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC, Cleveland, OH
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