Obstructive sleep apnoea significantly increases accident risk through excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired vigilance, and delayed reaction times. In Australia, untreated OSA patients have 2-7 times higher crash rates compared to the general population. Austroads medical standards require assessment and treatment of moderate-to-severe OSA before commercial driving can continue.
The condition affects approximately 5% of Australian adults with higher prevalence among commercial drivers. VicRoads, Transport for NSW and other state authorities have implemented notification requirements for OSA diagnosis. Peak bodies such as the Royal Australasian College of Physicians recommends mandatory CPAP compliance monitoring for commercial drivers.
Join me for this important talk, Tuesday 13th May (7pm AEST) where I will explain how GPs and specialists can work together to ensure effective management, balancing road safety with appropriate return-to-driving protocols after successful treatment.
In addition, I will be joined by an expert faculty where we will cover a range of topics relevant to primary care:
Non-hormonal & hormonal options for hot flushes Dr Terri Foran
Why is LDL control important? Dr Adam Nelson
Muscle health in chronic disease: A practical guide Dr Anita Munoz
I look forward to seeing you for an evening of valuable and practical learning.
Prof Brendon Yee
Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Physician; Woolcock Institute of Medical Research; Staff Specialist and Medical Director of Respiratory Failure Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Consultant, Rural Outreach Services