Authors (including presenting author) :
Yeung LK, Chan CW, Fu SN, Yiu MP, Dao MC
Affiliation :
Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Kowloon West Cluster
Introduction :
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in Hong Kong. It is estimated that 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women suffer from this disease. OSA has been shown to increase the risk of multiple comorbidities such as coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes. In addition, it impairs attention and alertness, worsening academic and work performance and increasing occupational hazards, especially for mission-critical workers. Under the huge service demand, the waiting time for a sleep study in the public healthcare system can be up to years, which may lead to delay in diagnosis. An OSA Assessment Clinic in Yan Chai Hospital has been piloted since October 2024 to enhance early diagnosis and management of the disease.
Objectives :
To enhance early diagnosis and management of OSA
Methodology :
The OSA Assessment Clinic received internal referrals from the three Family Medicine Clinics in Tsuen Wan. Family doctors used a screening tool (e.g., the STOP-Bang Questionnaire, available on the intranet) for patients presenting with OSA symptoms, such as snoring or witnessed apnoea, to assess OSA risk. Exclusion criteria were confirmed OSA from prior sleep studies and paediatric patients. Eligible patients were referred to the OSA Assessment Clinic, where a sleep study was discussed if OSA was suspected. With facilitation from the ENT Department of Yan Chai Hospital, patients could choose home-based or in-hospital testing in the Central Government Aided Emergency Hospital (CGAEH) based on their preferences and clinical conditions.
Result & Outcome :
In 2025, sleep studies were conducted for 92 patients (60 males + 32 females; median age 55 years). Most (n=80) opted for in-hospital testing in CGAEH, with a 3-4 month waiting time. Results showed high accuracy in family physicians' OSA suspicion. As many as 89% (n=82) of all patients were diagnosed with OSA, defined as an apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥5. In addition, more than 60% of all patients (n=61) were found to have moderate (AHI 15-29.9) or severe OSA (AHI ≥30). Timely diagnosis enabled early management discussions, including positional therapy, weight control and continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). Follow-up began in late 2025, with several patients reporting significant improvement on auto-CPAP. Family medicine services can provide timely diagnosis of OSA. Expanding this model of care to other clusters could be considered in future. It is hoped that more patients can benefit, achieving a better quality of life and minimising future cardiovascular and other health risks.
