tions, such as benzodiazepines. The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a
simple yet highly sensitive tool to screen for OSA (see "How to
Identify Sleep Apnea Risk Factors" on page 27).
Only part of the solution
While continuous electronic monitoring can provide an earlier indica-
tion of respiratory depression, it is only one part of the solution.
Monitors are not meant to remove clinicians from the equation;
instead, monitoring technology should be a multiplying factor for
hands-on, proactive care.
OSM
Mr. Wong (mwong@ppahs.org) is the founder and executive director of the
Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety and a founding member of the
American Board of Patient Safety.
Safety
S
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