This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

Improved quality measures developed for childhood OSA

New quality measures for the detection and treatment of childhood obstructive sleep apnea have been developed by physicians commissioned by the American Association of Sleep Medicine.

“Providers, especially those who don’t regularly diagnose (obstructive sleep apnea [OSA]) as part of their clinical practices, will have greater guidance in utilizing optimal detection and treatment processes,” Sanjeev V. Kothare, MD, director of the pediatric sleep program at NYU Langone Medical Center, said in a press release.

The researchers analyzed 960 peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2013 to develop outcome measures for improved care of pediatric OSA.

The physicians defined five desirable processes for pediatric patients with suspected OSA:

• assessment of symptoms and risk factors;
• initiation of an action plan;
• evaluation of high-risk children;
• reassessment of OSA within 12 months; and
• documentation of positive airway pressure adherence.

After these processes, the researchers wrote that two desirable outcomes should be achieved:

• improved detection of childhood OSA; and
• reduced signs and symptoms of childhood OSA. 

There already are several different guidelines established for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood OSA. The new guidelines, however, differ in that they measure and track the quality of services provided by clinicians.

“Quality measures are now in place in neurology and several other specialties,” Kothare said in the release. “Metrics are the mantra of the future, and will help ensure that patients are getting the best care possible.”

Disclosure: Kothare reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.