What is the recommended patient-to-technician ratio?

The recommended patient-to-technician ratio of 2:1 is grounded in the need for adequate monitoring and care during polysomnography. A ratio of 2:1 allows the technician to effectively manage the needs of two patients, ensuring that each receives proper attention and that the quality of the sleep study is maintained. This balance is essential for observing sleep patterns, applying necessary adjustments in real-time, and ensuring patient safety throughout the procedure.

Higher ratios, such as 3:1 or 4:1, may compromise the level of individualized care and attention each patient receives, potentially leading to missed signals, inadequate monitoring, or delayed responses to patient needs. A 1:1 ratio could be excessive in typical settings where technicians can efficiently manage two patients without sacrificing quality. Hence, the 2:1 ratio strikes an optimal balance, supporting both patient safety and technician workload efficiency.