On this page...
ARTP have represented the standards and quality of lung function measurement in the UK for over 30 years. We have produced guidelines, handbooks, position statements, statements and a whole raft of training opportunities for all staff measuring lung function. We have delivered the ARTP/BTS Certificate in Spirometry for over 10 years and we are highly regarded as the guardians of quality spirometry.
“ARTP SLEEP” is now being developed to represent and support all healthcare professionals in the delivery of care, training and development of sleep services.
Intended benefits include...
If you are not and ARTP member and would be interested in joining this new section please register your interest by contacting admin@artp.org.uk. Existing ARTP Members who would also be interested in this section should also register their interest.
Form 2004 the British Thoracic Society SAC acted as the host organisation for professional bodies, sleep diagnostics and therapeutics manufacturers, patient groups and other related organisations who are “stakeholders” in sleep apnoea.
In 2007 BTS re-organised its structure to form Advisory Groups which have a slightly different remit from the old SAC and are smaller bodies that do not include members from outside the wider sleep apnoea community.
The BTSSAC had been an excellent example of a consortium of interested groups and has been the focus to enable the BTS Sleep Apnoea Course to be developed, the initiative for the NICE CPAP Technological Appraisal as well as other important developments in sleep apnoea services and care.
It has also acted as a focus for public relations about the importance of keeping the profile of sleep apnoea high.
ARTP were keen to nurture and develop this consortium concept and, in June 2008 convened the ARTP Sleep Apnoea Consortium (ARTP SAC) which included representatives from organisations who attended the original BTS SAC.
The sated aims of the ARTP SAC are...
The full ARTP SAC Constitution can be viewed here.
In December 2008 ARTP undertook a short survey of members via the ARTP Email Forum and asked departments to submit figures on the increase in sleep apnoea workload between March – September period by comparing 2007 with 2008.
The full report can be viewed here - ARTP SAC Short CPAP Report 2008
Sleep Diagnostics
Here is the latest draft of the ARTP SAC document on Diagnostic Standards in Sleep Apnoea studies. This paper is open for consultation via the SAC Committee and is open to manufacturers, providers, commissioners and other interested parties. Please contact us via sac@artp.org.uk with any comments, additions, corrections or disagreements.
This consultation will be open until 20th November 2009.
A Final Version will be prepared for the ARTP SAC Meeting at the BTS in December before being placed on the ARTP SLEEP website in early 2010.
We look forward to your involvement.
The draft ARTP Standards of Care Document for Sleep Diagnostics is presented here for consultation, please respond by 20th November 2009.
Sleep Apnoea Services
ARTP Standards of Care for Sleep Apnoea Services Version
2 Published
on Website - 31 October 08
ARTP Lead:
Brendan Cooper (brendan.cooper@uhb.nhs.uk)
Related Documents
See also the related document, Service Specification for Sleep Apnoea and CPAP Provision, published by the British Thoracic Society's Sleep Apnoea Specialist Advisory Group.
The IMPRESS Group published a Service Specification for Investigation and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (which incorporates the ARTP & BTS documents) in March 09.
Other useful sleep references on this site...
NIV Vents & Masks - a summary of NIV Machines & Masks available in the UK
Sleep Physiology & Medicine Societies Links - some useful website links
The DH 18 Weeks Project Pathway for Adult Sleep Disorders - developed with ARTP input
See also educational opportunities for Sleep on the Education Page