P102 Accessing healthcare for sleep problems during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: As part of a study to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sleep of patients of a multidisciplinary sleep clinic, we surveyed how they accessed healthcare for sleep problems. METHODS: Patients were invited to complete an online survey in October 2020. RESULTS: 74 patients completed the survey (mean age 50.2 years, range 21–83 years, 56.8% female). 26/74 (35%) reported at least one delay in accessing healthcare for sleep problems. In particular, 7/49 (14.3%) had delays seeing a general practitioner whilst 16/43 (37.2%) experienced delays accessing a sleep physician. 7/26 (26.9%) reported delays booking a sleep study and 4/15 (26.7%) had delays hiring continuous positive airway pressure equipment. 11/31 (35.5%) experienced delays seeing a psychologist for sleep problems. 11/74 (14.9%) preferred to wait until they were able to attend the clinic in person. 21/74 (28.4%) had telehealth consultations with a sleep physician and/or psychologist. 19/21 (90.5%) described it easy to participate and 20/21 (95.2%) reported receiving satisfactory care through telehealth consultation. Only 5/21 (23.8%) preferred to attend in-person instead of participating in a telehealth consultation again. 11/74 (14.9%) had telephone consultations with a sleep physician and/or psychologist. 8/11 (72.7%) found it easy to participate and 8/11 (72.7%) reported receiving satisfactory care through telephone consultation. Only 3/11 (27.3%) preferred to attend in-person instead of participating in a telephone consultation again. DISCUSSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 35% of patients reported delays accessing healthcare for sleep problems. Most patients who participated in telehealth and telephone consultations described positive experiences.