RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Pilot study of an integrated model of sleep support for children: a before and after evaluation
JF BMJ Paediatrics Open
JO BMJ Paediatrics Open
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e000551
DO 10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000551
VO 3
IS 1
A1 Heather E Elphick
A1 Candi Lawson
A1 Ann Ives
A1 Sue Siddall
A1 Ruth N Kingshott
A1 Janine Reynolds
A1 Victoria Dawson
A1 Lorraine Hall
YR 2019
UL http://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/3/1/e000551.abstract
AB Objective Despite the success of behavioural sleep support interventions in the third sector, sleep support is not universally available for families in the UK. The aim of the study was to provide evidence of efficacy and to propose a delivery model for integrated sleep support for families of vulnerable children.Design and setting A sleep support intervention was carried out in Sheffield Local Authority evaluated using a preintervention and postintervention study design by Sheffield Children’s National Health Service (NHS) Trust.Participants Fifty-six children aged 6–16 years with significant sleep problems were recruited; 39 completed the intervention and evaluation.Interventions Basic sleep education and an individualised programme was delivered by a sleep practitioner. Follow-on telephone support was provided to empower the parent (and/or young person) to carry out the sleep programme at home. An integrated NHS and Local Authority delivery model was designed and implemented.Results Parents’ ratings of their child’s ability to self-settle improved from 1.1/10 to 6.4/10 (p<0.05). Mean Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale scores improved significantly for parents/carers (MD 5.16, 95%CIs 2.62 to 7.69, p<0.05). Children who completed the intervention gained on average an extra 2.4 hours sleep a night. There was reduction in healthcare utilisation, illnesses and medication use.Conclusions The behavioural approach to sleep support for these vulnerable groups of children is highly effective. Follow-on individual support to empower parents is key to achieving success. Sleep support can be implemented in NHS and Local Authority services by integration into the existing workforce using a cross-agency model.