Table 2 Most important functions of primary care staff with respect to a patient with sleep apnoea or suspected sleep apnoea

Detection of patients	For every patient who sees a PCP
Detection of patients	Three key questions: snoring, witnessed apnoeas and hypersomnia
Referral protocols	It is necessary to protocolise referral of patients to avoid mistakes
Prioritisation of patients	Serious hypersomnias, professions entailing risk and high cardio-respiratory risk
Information for the patient and general population	On the risk factors, consequences and treatment of the disease
Control of risk factors	Advice on diet and general treatment
Follow-up of patients with CPAP	Common and mild adverse effects
	Monitoring of compliance
	New referral to a sleep unit