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