OSASENSE

The OSAsense service consists of a validated online questionnaire as well as a continuous overnight registration of the haemoglobin saturation level in the blood (pulse oximetry). Through the combination of this data, the OSAsense algorithm is able to identify sleep apnea with a sensitivity and specificity of ~100% and >70%, respectively. Using OSAsense before referring patients to hospital has a number of significant benefits. Patients with a low risk of sleep apnea need not undergo expensive a... nd inconvenient testing. Patients with a significant risk can be referred quickly and confidently to proper diagnosis and treatment. Clinical validation In March 2016, a pilot study was initiated in the general practice to validate the OSAsense algorithm in approximately 150 patients. The study was approved by the local medical ethical committee (METC) and is registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR5786). Financial support (€50 k) was received from the Dutch health insurance corporation Menzis to conduct the study (Pioneers in Healthcare Voucher 2015). The initial OSAsense algorithm was developed in collaboration with the sleep centre from the Medical Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands, based on data from over 3.500 patients.More