This module provides a series of case studies that review patient scenarios that are intended to reinforce techniques and concepts related to education and management of patients with sleep disorders.  The module is intended to assist with development of critical thinking skills and practical utilization of the information presented in this course and includes a variety of scenarios where appropriate patient evaluation, review of testing and download data, and determination of an appropriate recommendation and/or education plan can be practiced.  

Developers and Narrators: Daniel Lane, MAPsy, BS, CCSH, RPSGT; Laree Fordyce, CCRP, RPSGT, CCSH; Brendan Duffy, RPSGT, CCSH and Marietta B. Bibbs, BA, RPSGT, CCSH, FAAST

Expand your understanding with the case-study learning module that reviews eight patient scenarios. Recorded for your review, learners can rewind, replay, or revisit at another time. You are encouraged to review each scenario, consider what information is important, and think about how you would respond in each situation for further knowledge assessment prior to entering the AAST CCSH Post-Test Exam. 

We recommend you utilize all of the accompanying handouts and the CCSH workbook as tools to continue reviewing prior to attempting the AAST CCSH Post-Test Exam. The AAST CCSH Post-Test Exam is open book and you will have two attempts to achieve a 70% or greater score. 

Before entering the AAST CCSH Post-Test Exam, please remember:

• This is an open-text exam. You can access the AAST CCSH workbook and any handouts or notes while taking the 80-question post-test exam.
• You may attempt the exam twice and must receive an overall score of 70% or higher to pass.
• Users will receive 120 days of access to the exam, once you begin.
• If you have questions regarding the exam or experience any issues, please contact AAST Headquarters at info@aastweb.org or call 312.321.5191

Information on CCSH Credential Eligibility through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) can be found here: https://www.brpt.org/ccsh/eligibility/   

This module reviews the importance of effective patient communication and education in the management of patient adherence to therapy.  Methods for effective monitoring and evaluating adherence and efficacy based on detection of clinical irregularities found within download reports are provided.  Choosing and communicating the correct course of action based on a patient evaluation that is focused on identifying and removing or reducing barriers to therapy and adherence is a key concept in this module.  

By Byron Jamerson, RPSGT, RST, CCSH

This module discusses the importance of the patient history and symptom review in differentiating sleep and mental health disorders and reviews sleep disorders that may affect or be affected by mental health issues as well as suicide and suicidal ideation in relation to mental health and sleep disorders.  Differential diagnosis and appropriate documentation of observations, actions, and treatments along with symptoms of disease progression, exacerbation, and improvement are reviewed.  The module concludes with a discussion of the effects of substance abuse on mental health and sleep.

By Rita Brooks, MEd., R. EEG/EP T., RPSGT, FAAST
Original presentation provided by Anoop Karippot, MD, FAASM

This module correlates abnormal sleep symptoms with underlying pathophysiology and epidemiology and discusses appropriate documentation of observations, actions, and treatments in this patient group.  There is a focus on neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary disorders with discussion of their effects on sleep and wakefulness and a review of symptoms that indicate disease progression, exacerbation, and improvement.  A thorough review of the primary cardiopulmonary disorders including COPD, Atrial Fibrillation and CHF is provided along with a discussion of the effects of recent surgery on sleep in patients with co-existing sleep disorders.

By Laura A. Linley, CRTT, RPSGT, RST, FAAST
Original presentation provided by Raman Malhotra, MD

This module reviews the impact of acute and chronic sleep disorders on quality of life, the long-term effects of sleep disruption and deprivation and the impact of sleep disorders on society.  An overview of various sleep questionnaires and tools that are used in sleep and appropriate use of these tools in screening, assessment, and education of patients is explored.  The use of HSAT and various consumer tools in the diagnosis of sleep disorders are also discussed along with ways to increase awareness of sleep hygiene and sleep disorders through community outreach. 

By Brendan Duffy, RPSGT, CCSH

This module provides an overview of sleep disorders including sleep disordered breathing, insomnia, hypersomnias, and parasomnias as well as testing indications for these disorders.  Analyzing results of testing and determining education and follow-up needs are a focus.  A review of MSLT and MWT testing protocols is included with discussion of how to evaluate the need for this testing and the education needs of these patients based on the findings.This module provides an overview of sleep disorders including sleep disordered breathing, insomnia, hypersomnias, and parasomnias as well as testing indications for these disorders. Analyzing results of testing and determining education and follow-up needs are a focus.  A review of MSLT and MWT testing protocols is included with discussion of how to evaluate the need for this testing and the education needs of these patients based on the findings.

This module reviews testing indications for evaluation of sleep disorders and discusses the analysis and interpretation of polysomnography, MSLT, MWT and titration data and their significance to treatment and follow-up.  The role of home sleep testing including actigraphy and oximetry are explored along with the utilization of actigraphy, pulse oximetry and biomarker data in relation to evaluation, management, and education for patients with sleep disorders.

By Jon Atkinson, BS, RPSGT, FAAST

This module discusses the development of sleep wake patterns from infancy through adulthood, identifies normal wake and sleep patterns, and describes changes in patterns of wake and sleep activity from infancy to old age including circadian rhythm changes related to age.  The module includes a discussion of normal sleep architecture and factors contributing to variations in normal sleep and describes normal sleep quality and quantity for adult, infant, pediatric and geriatric individuals including the role of gender, environment, and culture in sleep patterns.  The module concludes with a discussion of circadian rhythms and the role of actigraphy in evaluation of circadian rhythm disorders. 

By Rita Brooks, MEd., R. EEG/EP T., RPSGT, FAAST