Q&A
Discussion on current DOHMH initiatives addressing sleep apnea
1:08:44
·
114 sec
Council Member Abreu asks about current DOHMH initiatives or informational materials on sleep apnea. Commissioner Morse responds by discussing the clinical importance of sleep apnea and explains why it's best addressed within an integrated healthcare delivery system.
- Commissioner Morse acknowledges the seriousness of sleep apnea as a medical condition
- She emphasizes the need for comprehensive healthcare approach to address sleep apnea
- Morse mentions H+H's existing sleep apnea program implemented in 5 hospitals
Shaun Abreu
1:08:44
But I wanted do I wanted to ask one last question is whether are whether there are current initiatives by the by DOHMH or or informational materials available by DOHMH that discuss sleep apnea and risks associated with sleep apnea?
Michelle Morse
1:09:00
Thank you for the question.
1:09:02
I'll start by saying, you know, I am a practicing internal medicine physician.
1:09:06
I've been practicing for over 15 years in multiple cities.
1:09:10
It is very, very common to unfortunately see sleep apnea as a condition that patients may come into the hospital with.
1:09:18
It may contribute to high blood pressure, and to all the other complications that you reference.
1:09:23
So as a clinician, it is a disease that I take extremely seriously.
1:09:28
Because it is a complex disease to diagnose and to treat, it really is best addressed as a part of an integrated health care delivery system.
1:09:38
And the reason I say that is because often folks who have sleep apnea may have other health issues as well that need to be screened for and addressed.
1:09:47
I I don't know if that's the case for you, council member, but that is the case often for older folks in particular.
1:09:52
They may have other coexisting chronic conditions that need to be addressed, And so kind of, you know, doing, the screening for sleep apnea in isolation without access to all the other health care delivery tools that are really needed to best address the needs of those patients, is is not ideal from our perspective, but I would orient you towards the really, clear testimony that health and hospital submitted.
1:10:17
They do have a sleep apnea program that is currently, implemented across 5 hospitals, in health and hospitals.
1:10:25
5 of the 11 hospitals in the health and hospital system, and we do really feel that this is a health care, best addressed by the health care delivery system rather than by us at the health department to make sure it's a comprehensive program.
