School nurses' experiences of supporting children and young people and their caregivers around sleep: a focus group study.
Globally, many children and young people (CYP) obtain insufficient good quality sleep. School nurses (SNs) are ideally-placed to support sleep health, but few studies have explored their practical experiences.
To explore SNs' experiences, perceived barriers and priorities (including training and resource requirements) in providing sleep-related support to CYP and their caregivers.
A convenience sample of eighteen SNs from the United Kingdom took part in two in-person focus groups (n = 8; n = 8) and one online focus group (n = 2) in June 2024. Qualitative data were inductively reflexively thematically analysed.
Seven themes were identified. Nurses reported that Sleep issues present as secondary concerns; and identified Perceived causes of delayed bedtimes and insufficient sleep. They faced barriers to practice including Challenges engaging families with sleep-supportive changes; Systemic barriers to successful delivery of sleep services and Challenges in identifying appropriate resources. To overcome such challenges, they emphasised School nurse training requirements; and The need for a trusted directory of resources.
SNs in England regularly support families around sleep health but face significant challenges. To support their practice, policy changes recognising sleep as a public health priority and increased investment in staffing, training, and resources are needed.
To explore SNs' experiences, perceived barriers and priorities (including training and resource requirements) in providing sleep-related support to CYP and their caregivers.
A convenience sample of eighteen SNs from the United Kingdom took part in two in-person focus groups (n = 8; n = 8) and one online focus group (n = 2) in June 2024. Qualitative data were inductively reflexively thematically analysed.
Seven themes were identified. Nurses reported that Sleep issues present as secondary concerns; and identified Perceived causes of delayed bedtimes and insufficient sleep. They faced barriers to practice including Challenges engaging families with sleep-supportive changes; Systemic barriers to successful delivery of sleep services and Challenges in identifying appropriate resources. To overcome such challenges, they emphasised School nurse training requirements; and The need for a trusted directory of resources.
SNs in England regularly support families around sleep health but face significant challenges. To support their practice, policy changes recognising sleep as a public health priority and increased investment in staffing, training, and resources are needed.
Authors
Tierney Tierney, Wiggs Wiggs, Harrold Harrold, Hobin Hobin, Kirman Kirman, Cook Cook
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