Sleep History Is Neglected Diagnostic Information Challenges for Primary Care Physicians

Edward F. Haponik, Ann W. Frye, Boyd Richards, Antoinette Wymer, Ann Hinds, Kevin Pearce, William Vaughn McCall, Joseph Konen

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

100 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sleep problems are treatable causes of morbidity and mortality, but little is known about how often the history fundamental to diagnosis is obtained. We recorded the frequency of sleep histories during encounters with simulated patients by 20 experienced primary care practitioners, 23 uninstructed medical interns, and 22 interns who had previous instruction about sleep disorders. Sleep histories were uncommonly obtained by uninstructed physicians (0% of practitioners, 13% of interns), but trained interns more often (81.8%) asked about sleep. If sleep problems are to be prioritized, major changes in physician education and behaviors are essential. Focused instruction about sleep influences physician behavior.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)759-761
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine
Volume11
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Physician education
  • Sleep histories
  • Sleep problems

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sleep History Is Neglected Diagnostic Information Challenges for Primary Care Physicians'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this