0944 Shhh! Initiative: Sleep Health Practices In Pediatric Hospitals

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Hospitalizations often result in significant sleep disruption, despite the importance of sleep in healing (Cmiel, et al., 2004). Research-to-date has focused primarily on adult intensive care (ICU) with minimal focus on pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to assess pediatric inpatient healthcare providers’ understanding of and attitudes towards sleep in the hospital environment with the goal of developing a sleep health educational intervention as well as modifications to standards of care that unnecessarily interrupt sleep of pediatric inpatients. Methods An online survey was administered to pediatric inpatient staff (nurses, physicians, residents) at a Mid-Atlantic children’s hospital focused on assessing their understanding of sleep in the context of inpatient care (N = 316). Respondents were 30-50 years old (54%), primarily identified as female (88%), and most (60%) reported being in a nursing position. Results Quantitative findings (N = 316) revealed that 65% reported patients were sometimes, rarely, or never allowed to sleep without being awakened from administration of non-critical medications. A majority (63.8%) reported that sometimes, rarely, or never do they consider interruption of sleep in decisions on when to give medications, while 54.9% reported the quantity and quality of sleep is rarely/never considered in a patient’s treatment. Qualitative responses (N = 248) confirmed these findings with 34.3% reporting that they considered re-scheduling medications to minimize sleep interruptions. Despite this finding, only 15.7% reported they would assess or give attention to sleep in the context of patient recovery and treatment. Conclusion Pediatric healthcare providers are aware of the importance of sleep for their patients; however, they are not prioritizing sleep as a part of treatment in their behaviors and decisions. Next steps include developing and implementing an intervention for pediatric healthcare providers to follow through on limiting sleep interruptions as well as focusing on sleep in the treatment process. Support N/A