Brookings Health Upgrades Newly Accredited Sleep Lab

Brookings Health System recently upgraded its sleep diagnostics facility which is now accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.

The health system purchased a new polysomnography sleep system to give care providers enhanced information on a patient’s sleep patterns.

“Therapists and physicians use the gathered information to customize therapeutic treatments to a patient’s unique needs,” said Respiratory Care Director Lynne Thompson.

The system’s software monitors when a patient’s airway is restricted during sleep, either while inhaling or exhaling. If the patient’s problem is identifiable in the first half of the sleep study, the therapist will awaken the patient to try an adaptive device, like a CPAP machine, to see if that helps the patient during the second half of the sleep study.

In addition, the new system also includes an infrared video camera that records a patient’s movements and audio while he or she sleeps in complete darkness. Physicians, who are not on-site during a sleep study, can view the recording to have a better idea of a patient’s sleep tendencies and provide a more accurate diagnosis.

In addition to purchasing new equipment, the sleep diagnostic facility recently underwent the accreditation process from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.

“Accreditation demonstrates we meet the established regulatory requirements and standards,” said Thompson. “It also shows our team’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.”

To meet the accreditation guidelines, Brookings Health verified it had the policies and procedures in place to meet patient safety protocols. It also demonstrated compliance with national regulations and industry best practices.

The sleep diagnostics facility further ensures a high-quality sleep study for patients with its quiet and comfortable environment.

“The level of comfort is higher at our facility than in other sleep labs because of the atmosphere,” said Thompson. “Because our sleep lab is an apartment, it feels like a home, not a hotel or a hospital room. This enables our patients to sleep more naturally like they would in their own bedroom at home.”

The sleep diagnostic facility can test two patients each night. Each patient has his or her own private bedroom with a queen-sized bed, TV and bath. A recliner option for sleeping is also available to patients.

Brookings Health provides testing for patients 16 years of age and older. Types of studies that can be performed include diagnostic testing for sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy. Daytime sleep studies are also available for those patients who work overnight shifts. Individuals interested in a sleep study at Brookings Health System should speak with their physician to request a referral. More information can be found at www.brookingshealth.org/SleepLab.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, Arlington Medical Center, White Medical Clinic and Volga Medical Clinic. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.