0640 Initial Sleep Center Evaluation and Follow Up Improves Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy Adherence When Compared to Direct Referrals Without Sleep Physician Follow Up: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 26% of adults and positive airway pressure (PAP) is the gold-standard of therapy. Factors affecting PAP adherence—use >4 hours in a 24-hour period—have been studied extensively. We compared of the three months (or other time frame) PAP adherence between patients seen by a sleep specialist prior to OSA diagnosis versus patients referred directly for OSA testing by non-sleep specialist providers. The goal of the study was to understand the impact of sleep consultation on PAP adherence. Methods Direct referral (DR) patients underwent polysomnography (PSG) and received PAP devices prior to the sleep clinic visit. In contrast, sleep center patients (SC) had a sleep clinic visit with a sleep physician or APRN prior to PSG. Eighty-four patients were included in this study, 42 DR and 42 SC patients. Exclusion criteria were age