Adaptation of a clinical practice guideline for Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive daytime sleepiness is related to significant morbidity and mortality in either the patients or others. Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is designed to evaluate the ability to maintenance of wakefulness in standard conditions of the test. Due to the existence of different methods for performing and interpreting the MWT test and the importance of unifying the method of performing and interpreting this test in Iran, the localization of the clinical use guide of the MWT test was considered.

Materials and Methods: Initially, it was studied the available guidelines, and one of them was chosen as the main guideline. Then, to standardize the clinical services provided to patients, according to the conditions and facilities in Iran, the localization of the clinical guideline of MWTtest was performed.

Results: This guideline contained recommendations for implementation and interpretation of MWT. For each recommendation, the level of evidence including “standard”, “guideline” and “option” was specified.

Conclusion: Given the prevalence of drowsiness and its importance in safety, occupational accidents and road accidents and the role of MWT testing in its evaluation, it is hoped that by providing the most cost-effective diagnostic method in this guide, a step will be taken to better allocate health resources in the country.