Apnoea is defined as a temporary absence or cessation of breathing. Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is a condition in which a person experiences repeated episodes of apnoea because of a narrowing or closure of the pharyngeal airway during sleep. This is caused by a decrease in the tone of the muscles supporting the airway during sleep. Complete closure (obstruction) stops airflow (apnoea) whereas partial obstruction decreases airflow (hypopnoea).
Service Specification for Investigation and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS)
OSAS is a very common condition with a major impact on health and society, but its importance has been recognised belatedly and services for the investigation and treatment of affected individuals in the UK have developed slowly and patchily. This document explains the nature of the condition, its impact on health and social functioning, the principles and details of investigation and treatment and the requirements for long term support and management.
This service specification represents the views and recommendations of the British Thoracic Society (BTS), Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology (ARTP), General Practice Airways Group (GPIAG) and the Sleep Apnoea Trust Association (SATA). We hope that it will help to achieve improvements in the availability of services and in the quality of care for individuals with OSAS.
A copy of this document can be downloaded here
On 26 March 2008 NICE issued its Health Technology Appraisal for Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) for sleep apnoea.
Download the document here
To assist in implementation of the HTA, the BTS Sleep Apnoea Specialist Advisory Group has produced a Service Specification for Sleep Apnoea and CPAP Provision , which you can find by clicking here.
This is an interim statement of policy designed to assist both commissioners and providers to implement the NICE recommendations within an overall service for OSAHS. It has been endorsed by the patient support organisation (the Sleep Apnoea Trust Association) and the General Practice Airways Group (GPIAG) of primary care health professionals.
BTS has issued a press release, a related fact sheet and a patient information leaflet.
Download the press release here
Download the fact sheet here
Download the patient information leaflet here
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