A Community Pharmacist-led Intervention to Improve Screening of Sleep Apnea in Primary Care

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of sleep apnea screening program for patients at risk in community pharmacies.

Background: The sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a common disease but unknown. According to epidemiological studies, approximately 5% to 10% of the general population is living with SAS. Untreated sleep apnea has an important individual impact: it is accompanied by sleep disturbances and vigilance and frequent co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes or other cardiovascular diseases. Also, it has a cost to the community due to significant traffic accidents and work accidents more frequent in this population and weight for health insurance for cardiovascular diseases. However, its screening and its management remain largely insufficient. The report of the Ministry of Health in 2006 estimated that only 15% of subjects with a SAS would be diagnosed. The Law "Hospital, Patients, Health and Territories" (HPST) in 2009 provides pharmacists with new responsibilities in the health screening, care coordination, or in therapeutic education (Article 38 of Law HPST). Objective: In this dual context, this study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an information campaign and screening of SAS in patients at risk in the community pharmacies. The investigators analyze whether the involvement of community pharmacists in the care pathway of a patient at risk is effective, that is to say if it improves the detection rate and diagnostic the disease in this population. Project Description: 400 patients at risk of SAS will be recruited by the participating pharmacists. Screening intervention consists in 2 validated questionnaires which evaluate SAS risk (Berlin Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Pharmacist distributes also an information leaflet about SAS, and refers patient to general practitioner with questionnaires results. Patients are followed by the pharmacists for 6 months.

Proportion of patients referred by the general practitioner to sleep specialist for SAS diagnosis test

Inclusion Criteria: Taking 1 or more anti-hypertension drugs Overweight (BMI > 25) Snoring Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: To have a sleep apnea treatment Not to have a referent doctor To have a long-term illness Did not sign informed consent