Citation

Durand G, Kales SN. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2009; 51(10): 1220-1226.

Affiliation

Environmental & Occupational Medicine & Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181b8c16b

PMID

19786899

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To survey American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) members regarding recent consensus guidelines for screening commercial drivers for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). METHODS: A brief survey instrument was distributed electronically by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine to its members during February 2008 to April 2008. RESULTS: Most (92%) of the 552 examiners opined that screening commercial drivers for OSA was important. Nevertheless, only 42% reported screening using consensus guidelines or another specific protocol. Common reasons for not applying the guidelines included unaware (36%), too complicated (12%), client retention (10%), and driver inconvenience (10%). Most would consider using the guidelines going forward but 39% wanted additional evidence and another 21% only if they became the "community standard." CONCLUSIONS: More education regarding OSA and drivers is needed. A Federal mandate and eliminating "doctor shopping" would likely increase examiners' compliance with screening.

Language: en