Burke Rehabilitation, a prominent provider of physical and medical rehabilitation and part of the Montefiore Health System, announced on July 15 that it has received a $75,000 grant to study obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with acquired brain disorders. This innovative project aims to incorporate sleep health into standard rehabilitation practices, with the goal of enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for affected individuals.
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Mooyeon Oh-Park, M.D., MHCM, who serves as the chief physician of research and innovation at the White Plains facility, will lead the study. The research intends to determine the prevalence of OSA among patients in inpatient rehabilitation who have acquired brain disorders. It will employ a two-step diagnostic method that includes the STOP-BANG screening tool and the WatchPAT home sleep apnea testing device to identify high-risk patients. Following this, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and follow-up sleep medicine consultations will be administered post-discharge. The project will evaluate outcomes related to functional recovery, sleep quality, rehabilitation participation, length of stay, discharge statuses, and readmissions.
Oh-Park emphasized the significance of early identification of obstructive sleep apnea, stating, "Obstructive sleep apnea is a modifiable risk factor that can significantly affect neurological recovery and overall health after brain disorders. By identifying sleep apnea earlier and understanding its role in recovery, we aim to advance more personalized, integrated care plans."
The study hypothesizes that at least 40% of individuals with acquired brain disorders will test positive for OSA, and out of those, a minimum of 40% will receive a confirmed diagnosis via the WatchPAT device. Adults between the ages of 18 and 90 who are admitted to Burke from May 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, with a diagnosis of acquired brain disorder may be eligible to participate.
Burke Rehabilitation is recognized as a leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) research, addressing significant challenges faced by patients with neurological and complex medical conditions. The integration of sleep health into rehabilitation care underscores Burke's commitment to a comprehensive approach that focuses on factors that can influence patient outcomes.
Scott Edelman, MBA, CPA, CFE, Executive Director of Burke, remarked, "At Burke, cutting-edge research and innovation are embedded in the clinical care we deliver every day. This work emphasizes our commitment to advancing evidence-based care, ensuring it is fully integrated into practice. By driving innovation in physical medicine and rehabilitation, we are improving patient outcomes and setting a standard of excellence for rehabilitative care nationwide."
Supported by the ResMed Foundation, the research team includes Andrew Abdou, D.O.; Erika Trovato, D.O., chief quality officer and program director for the Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship; Josette Hartnett, MPH, senior manager of clinical research compliance; and Karen McCoy, director of respiratory therapy, along with Alok Bhatt, M.D., and Jose Davis, M.D., from the Department of Pulmonary/Sleep Medicine at Montefiore Health System.