P075 Strategies to improve sleep disorder diagnosis and management in the workplace: Perspectives of future shift workers living with sleep disorders

Shift workers with untreated sleep disorders face greater risk of negative health and safety outcomes. A population of particular concern is early-career shift workers, as 20% of young adults live with, largely undiagnosed, sleep disorders. This study aimed to explore what structures and qualities future shift workers would value in prospective workplaces regarding sleep disorder support and management. The study aims to inform the development of interventions that are acceptable to workers. Undergraduate paramedicine students were invited to complete an online survey and participate in a health services trial. The survey included validated sleep disorder screening questionnaires, with those identified at risk of a sleep disorder being offered further diagnostic testing or treatment. Participants completed a qualitative interview upon completion of the trial to discuss their experience and recommendations to improve screening and management of sleep disorders for shift workers. Seventeen paramedicine students (mean age 22.5±8.3 years, 59% female) with an undiagnosed sleep disorder were recruited into the trial. Early thematic analysis identified two key themes: Increasing education and awareness of sleep disorders and supporting access to health services. Almost half of the participants discussed the importance of increased awareness of sleep and sleep disorders during pre-employment training and in the workplace. Participants also identified convenience as an important factor in facilitating the management of sleep disorders. Facilitating access to sleep health services before workers are exposed to shift work and during early employment were suggested to improve sleep disorder identification and management for early-career shift workers.