Development and evaluation of a personalised sleep care plan on child and adolescent in-patient mental health wards

Abstract

Aims and method The study evaluated a package of measures to improve sleep on psychiatric wards admitting patients from children and young people's services (CYPS). Sleep disturbance has significant impact on adolescent mental health, and in-patient wards can directly cause sleep disturbance, independent of the problem that led to admission. We developed a CYPS-specific package (TeenSleepWell) that promoted a better sleep environment, enhanced staff education about sleep, screened for sleep disorders, and raised awareness of benefits and side-effects of hypnotics. This included personalised sleep care plans that allowed a protected 8 h sleep period when safe. Results Evaluation over 2 years showed enhanced in-patient care: 57% of patients were able to have a protected sleep period. There was no increase in adverse events and there was a decrease in hypnotics issued. Clinical implications Improving sleep during in-patient CYPS admissions is possible and personalised sleep care plan should be a care standard.

Keywords

• Education and training
• sleep–wake disorders
• risk assessment
• psychiatric nursing
• mental health services