When evaluating a patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, what factors would you consider in recommending a surgical intervention versus non-surgical management?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks your clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in managing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Interviewers want to see if you can balance medical knowledge with patient-centered care.
Tips
- Start by discussing the severity of OSA using metrics like the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) from a sleep study.
- Highlight patient-specific factors like their compliance with CPAP, lifestyle, and any comorbidities that might affect treatment choices.
- Emphasize the importance of anatomical assessment to identify obstruction sites and how that influences surgical options.
Common mistakes
- Don't just focus on severity; it's not the only factor that matters.
- Avoid dismissing non-surgical options without a solid reason; they can be effective for many patients.
- Steer clear of oversimplifying surgery as a guaranteed fix; acknowledge the complexities and risks involved.