0914 Perception of Sleep Medicine (SM) Training among Internal Medicine (IM) Trainees in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Awareness of the importance of SM among trainees at our IM Training Program (IMTP) has not been documented, despite the high prevalence of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) within our clinical population. Recently, the Indiana University Sleep Questionnaire (IUSQ) was administered to quantify the perception of SM in IM residents. Methods We administered the IUSQ questionnaire through an anonymous computer survey sample of IM residents at our ACGME accredited IMTP. Results A total of 52/61 (85%) residents from the Veterans Administration Caribbean Health Care System (VACHS) IMTP participated. There were 18 PGY-1, 16 PGY-2, 15 PGY-3 and 3 PGY-4 residents whom the majority strongly agreed or agreed that the burden of SDB was large in the general population (63% & 35%), that it is important for their training (48% & 46%) and for their general practice (54% & 38%). They were mostly neutral or disagreed about getting adequate training in SDB during residency (38% & 40%). The majority strongly agreed or agreed that sleep specialist is needed for managing SDB (27% & 48%) and 9.6% disagreed with this. Many do not have interest in pursuing a sleep medicine fellowship answering neutral, disagree and strongly disagree (23%, 38% &23%). The majority strongly agree and agree that a sleep fellowship is important in treating sleep disorders (48% & 33%). The residents are mostly neutral or disagree when it comes to their confidence in treating sleep apnea (40% & 48%) and treating other sleep disorders (46% & 38%). Conclusion Despite the high prevalence of SDB in the population they manage, residents do not feel they are getting enough training in the management of sleep disorders. They acknowledge the importance of SM education for the latter purpose, but the majority does not want to pursue formal subspecialty training in SM. In addition, they do not feel comfortable managing SDB and other sleep disorders. Interestingly this mismatch between burden of disease and the need for disease management proficiency is similar to one found previously in a different resident population to which the same IUSQ was administered. An educational approach toward residents may furtherly change these perceptions. Support (if any)