The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea may present with a wide range of symptoms resulting in a variety of referral pathways. A multidisciplinary approach to examination and diagnosis helps to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual. The subject is seen by each member of the team, appropriate investigations undertaken and a further meeting arranged at which all opinions are discussed. A reasoned treatment regime is produced, taking into consideration the patient's wishes and overall medical condition. This paper describes the team approach currently employed in the Department of Thoracic Medicine at The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. The thoracic physician and ENT surgeon work in close collaboration with their dental colleagues: an orthodontist, prosthodontist and a maxillofacial surgeon. An outline of the examination and investigations made by each is described and the multidisciplinary approach is illustrated by a description of the management of five subjects with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea.