Educating Nurses in Sleep Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment.

Abstract

Poor sleep is an unrecognized problem among cancer survivors that affects quality of life. However, screening for sleep disorders is not routine in cancer care. To fill this gap, a self-paced online training program was designed for RNs to screen patients for sleep disturbance and provide brief intervention or referral for treatment (Sleep-SBIRT). A three-phase evaluation pilot study included the following steps: (a) develop an online training program with in situ simulation; (b) implement the program with RNs at a comprehensive cancer center; and (c) evaluate module and quiz completion rates and focus group thematic analysis. Of the 22 RNs participating, 17 completed online modules and in situ simulation. The RNs were satisfied (M = 4.74/5, SD = 0.42) and self-confident (M = 4.45/5, SD = 0.45) with the learning. Focus group themes were learning new knowledge, learning online effectively, applying learning to in situ simulation, and intending to implement. The RNs gained knowledge applying Sleep-SBIRT, but future larger studies are warranted. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 202x;5x(x):xx-xx.].