An Introduction to the ASPAN Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Adult Patient Evidence-Based Practice Recommendation

Abstract

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) is committed to providing resources that enable perianesthesia nurses to implement evidence-based practice (EBP). The journey to provide relevant and timely EBP resources is under continued evaluation and revision. The provision of EBP resources for the perianesthesia nurse has been multifaceted, including clinical practice guidelines and the addition of empirical evidence, references, and practice recommendations (PRs) in the Perianesthesia Nursing Standards &Guidelines (S&G). Biannually, the S&G Strategic Work Team (SWT) completes an exhaustive review and revision of the existing S&G document, demonstrating the power of the combined ASPAN work groups: the S&G SWT, EBP SWT, and the Clinical Practice and Research Committees. This review process begins with a critical appraisal of the existing S&G document and analysis of the clinical practice questions that have been received nationally and internationally. Clinical practice questions regarding perianesthesia practice issues demand EBP guidance, and these questions assist ASPAN with the identification of trends and focal points for future research. A new means of providing evidence to guide bedside perianesthesia care was added to the S&G publication in 2009, in the form of the PR. The Perianesthesia Nursing Standards, PRs, and Interpretive Statements 2012-2014, whichwill include the Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in the