P069 Health professionals’ perceptions of sleep in palliative care: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION: Sleep is vital for all individuals however sleep difficulties are highly prevalent for those receiving palliative care. Impaired sleep impacts their everyday participation and overall health and wellbeing. Although sleep is recognised as an important factor for care, limited evidence exists regarding health professionals’ perceptions of sleep for patients receiving palliative. METHODS: A qualitative research design was used to investigate the perceptions and roles of health professionals in identifying and addressing sleep difficulties in patients receiving palliative care. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten health professionals across six disciplines with minimum six months experience working in palliative care. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Pseudonyms were used to de-identify participants. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: (1) patient’s sleep is highly valued; (2) sleep in palliative care is complex; (3) perspectives and approaches to sleep management vary; (4) challenges in addressing sleep; and (5) health professionals desire for sleep knowledge. DISCUSSION: Findings highlight health professionals’ perceptions of sleep difficulties and consequential implications, and the importance of sleep for both patients and caregivers. Participants perceive priorities of care and limited resources and training in sleep management hindered their clinical practice in addressing sleep. Health professionals working in palliative care could benefit from reorienting practice, development of and access to up-to-date resources regarding sleep, and support to provide sleep education for patients and caregivers.