An official ATS/AASM/ACCP/ERS workshop report: Research priorities in ambulatory management of adults with obstructive sleep apnea

An international workshop was held to determine the research priorities for incorporating ambulatory management of adults with obstructive sleep apnea into healthcare systems. The workshop identified the barriers preventing incorporation of portable monitor testing into clinical management pathways and determined the research and development needed to address those barriers. The workshop promoted interaction and collaboration among diverse stakeholders who have interest and expertise in the development and evaluation of portable monitor technology and its clinical application. The consensus of the workshop participants was that outcomes-based research studies are needed to demonstrate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of portable monitor testing. Closely related to this objective is the need to develop clinical sleep research networks capable of performing adequately powered studies. Recommendations were developed regarding research study design and methodology that includes the need to standardize technology, identify the patients most appropriate for ambulatory management of obstructive sleep apnea, ensure patient safety, and identify sources of research funding. The evidence resulting from high-quality comparative effectiveness studies that include cost effectiveness as an outcome will allow decision makers to develop healthcare policies regarding the clinical application of portable monitor testing for the ambulatory management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.