Structured case conference for sleep disturbances in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment

Abstract

Structured case conference for sleep disturbances in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment Abstract: Background: Nursing home residents living with cognitive impairment often suffer from sleep disturbances. Pharmacological interventions are not recommended to be the first-choice therapy. In general, a wide variance of non-pharmacological interventions is available, but no clearly suitable intervention can currently be specified. Aim: The case report presents the procedure of a structured analysis to support the selection of non-pharmacological interventions to promote sleep. Methods: A structured case conference was held using a developed case management template to draw up an individual intervention plan. Results: Based on the description of the situation and the determination of causes, different interventions from six main topics were planned: "offering appropriate activations during daytime", "creating bedtime routines", "checking the sleep environment", "observation of potential physical and psychological causes", "reflection on night care routines", and "use of drug therapies only in exceptional cases". Conclusions: For a successful management of sleep disturbances in nursing home residents living with cognitive impairment, it is essential that the specific sleep-related symptoms and causes are assessed systematically and interprofessionally to be able to work towards an improvement with appropriate measures. In order to obtain adequate solutions, evidence-based expertise should be taken into consideration.