Fit-for-work Assessments and OSA

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How we can support employees

Have you been told your STOP-Bang result requires further assessment?

If your workplace has told you that you have reached the STOP-Bang threshold for further assessment, you may need to complete a sleep assessment before you can start or return to safety-critical work.

Reaching the threshold does not mean you have sleep apnoea. It means your screening result has identified a level of risk that needs to be checked.

What happens next?

Step 1 — You are identified as being at risk

Your workplace STOP-Bang screening has identified that you need further assessment.

At this stage, you do not have a diagnosis of sleep apnoea.

Step 2 — Arrange your assessment

You may be referred for further clinical assessment and/or an overnight sleep study.

Place of Dreams can help explain what is involved and what you need to do next.

Step 3 — Complete your sleep study

A sleep study records what happens while you sleep, including your breathing and oxygen levels.

It helps determine whether you have sleep apnoea or another sleep-related condition.

Step 4 — Your results are reviewed

Your results are reviewed by the appropriate clinician or sleep specialist.

You may be:

  • Told that no significant sleep disorder was found
  • Diagnosed with sleep apnoea
  • Referred for further investigation
  • Diagnosed with another sleep-related condition

Step 5 — Start treatment if needed

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnoea, your treatment will depend on your diagnosis and individual circumstances.

For many people, PAP therapy is an effective treatment option. Other treatment options may also be considered.

Step 6 — Get support and complete your workplace review

If PAP therapy is required, getting the treatment started is only part of the process.

You may need support with mask fit, pressure, leaks, comfort or using your therapy consistently.

Place of Dreams can help you establish effective therapy and review your treatment data as you work towards meeting your workplace requirements.

Already diagnosed with sleep apnoea?

You may not need to start the process again.

If you have already:

✓ Completed a sleep study
✓ Been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea
✓ Started PAP therapy

…but your therapy is not going well, we can help.

Common problems include:

  • Mask discomfort or leaks
  • Dry mouth
  • Difficulty tolerating pressure
  • Taking the mask off during sleep
  • Poor sleep despite using PAP
  • Shift work
  • Travel or remote work
  • Concerns about therapy compliance

You don't have to simply put up with these problems.

A review of your equipment, mask, therapy settings and treatment data may identify practical changes that can make therapy easier and more effective.

[Book a PAP Therapy Review]

Need a PAP compliance or therapy report?

If your employer or occupational health provider has asked for a PAP compliance or therapy report, the information required can vary depending on your situation.

For example, requirements may be different if you are:

  • Continuing in your current role
  • Returning to work after an assessment
  • Starting a new role
  • Changing employers
  • Being assessed for a safety-critical position

The first step is to find out exactly what your employer or occupational health provider needs.

Not sure what you need?

Don't guess — ask us first.

How Place of Dreams can help

Step 1 — Tell us what you have been asked to provide

Bring or send us the requirements from your employer or occupational health provider, if you have them.

Step 2 — We review your PAP therapy

We can review your PAP device data, usage, treatment effectiveness and any issues affecting your therapy.

Step 3 — We prepare your therapy information

Where appropriate, we can provide a therapy and compliance report containing the relevant PAP information.

Step 4 — If a sleep physician report is required

Some workplace assessments may require a current review or report from a sleep physician.

Place of Dreams can help prepare your therapy information for the specialist review.

You will still need to see your GP if a referral to a sleep physician is required.

Step 5 — Complete your occupational health review

The sleep physician and/or occupational health provider will determine what documentation or assessment is required for your particular workplace.

Not sure what you need?

Don't guess — ask us first.

If your employer has told you that you need a sleep assessment, PAP compliance report or further review before you can start work, contact Place of Dreams.

We can help you understand what happens next, what information you need and where we can help.

Contact us