Improving patient care

Research by Paul on ICU patients with sleep apnea published in academic journal

Michaelynn Paul’s article “The Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on the Sleep of Critically Ill Patients” was published in the peer-reviewed nursing journal, Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America. 

The issue that her article was published in was devoted to optimizing sleep in the intensive care unit. Michaelynn Paul, professor of nursing, began her article by reviewing the impact of sleep deprivation on society as a whole. She then specifically addressed ways to improve sleep for patients with sleep apnea in the ICU.  

In her article, Paul defines sleep apnea and discusses its prevalence. She explains what sleep apnea looks like, how to assess it, and finally how to diagnose it. “I analyzed current treatment routines available that include everything from behavioral modification to major surgery. Last I abstracted potential assessments and interventions that a critical care nurse could put into practice to provide optimal care,” says Paul. 

Paul also addressed the lack of literature available on interventions and protocols for patients with sleep apnea in the ICU. “Before teaching at WWU I worked in a critical care unit, and I knew that I had not been taught about or provided with the proper tools to care for critically ill patients complicated by sleep apnea,” said Paul. “I hope that [my article] encourages healthcare researchers to conduct some very specific research on recognition of sleep apnea in the ICU patient.” 

The article was first published online in April and subsequently published in print in June. It can be found in the peer-reviewed journal Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America, Volume 33, Issue 2, pages 173 to 192. 

For information about the Walla Walla University School of Nursing visit wallawalla.edu/nursing

Posted Aug. 25, 2021

Professional portrait of Michaelynn Paul
Michaelynn Paul's article was first published online in April and subsequently published in print in June in the peer-reviewed journal Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America.