Correlational Study of Sleep Apnea Patient Characteristics With Discharge Locations.

PURPOSE: To determine if a correlation exists between OSA patient characteristics and the PACU discharge location; and the characteristics of the patients at-risk for low saturation levels, increased number of desaturations, and longer length of stay in the PACU.

DESIGN: Retrospective, correlational study design.

METHOD: Chart review of OSA patients ≥ 18 years old. Correlational analysis was performed between 15 high risk patient variables and the PACU discharge disposition: home or monitored bed. Complications resulting in monitored bed admission were reviewed.

FINDINGS: 153 patients' charts were reviewed. The results showed that age>60, ASA classification, anesthesia type and narcotics use in the PACU were significantly correlated (p≤.05) with a patient's discharge disposition.

DISCUSSION: The findings are consistent with other OSA research except BMI was not significant in this study.

CONCLUSION: The results highlighted areas for future research and implications for clinical practice that would enable the perioperative care team to deliver safe care based on evidence.