J Korean Neurol Assoc.
2025 Feb;43(1):21-27. 10.17340/jkna.2024.0062.
A Survey of Korean Neurologists’ Awareness, Clinical Practice, Education, and Challenges in Sleep Medicine
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Neurology, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
- 2Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
- 3Department of Neurology, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- 4Department of Neurology, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- 5Samsung Mampyeonhan Neurology Center, Seogwipo, Korea
- 6Brain Clinic, Cheongju, Korea
- 7Department of Neurology, Daejeon Sun Medical Center, Daejeon, Korea
- 8Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- KMID: 2564404
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.17340/jkna.2024.0062
Abstract
- Background
Despite the critical importance of sleep medicine within neurology, notable gaps in education and clinical practice persist among neurologists. This study aims to explore the extent of involvement and the challenges faced by Korean neurologists in sleep medicine, focusing on awareness of polysomnography training program, the operation of sleep study facilities, and educational exposure.
Methods
An online survey collected responses from 233 neurologists, focusing on their demographics, knowledge of and involvement in sleep medicine, operation of sleep study facilities, and participation in residency training.
Results
The findings indicated that 84.9% of neurologists were aware of polysomnography training program, primarily through professional societies. Nonetheless, 15.1% reported unfamiliarity with these initiatives, with 72.7% of this subgroup expressing interest in sleep medicine yet lacking access to information. In terms of clinical practice, 74 neurologists operated sleep study facilities, with 63% intending to expand. Key operational challenges included staff management, maintaining patient volumes, and inadequate institutional support. Among respondents from teaching hospitals, only 36 out of 114 reported active resident involvement in sleep study interpretations, predominantly hindered by excessive workloads and insufficient staffing.
Conclusions
A significant number of neurologists have an interest in sleep medicine; however, substantial challenges impede effective education and clinical practice. These results underscore the need for improved educational resources and institutional support to enhance the growth and effectiveness of sleep medicine practices among neurologists.
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