O027 Integrating digital behavioural therapy for insomnia into primary care: a feasibility mixed-methods study

Abstract Introduction Digital cognitive behavioural therapy (dCBT) programs have been developed for insomnia to increase access to treatment. However, these digital programs are not widely used in primary care settings. This study evaluated whether a digital insomnia therapy (SleepFix mobile application) could be integrated into routine primary care for patients suffering from insomnia. Method A single-arm feasibility trial of SleepFix was conducted involving a digital behavioural therapy for insomnia patients. SleepFix delivered sleep restriction therapy over six weeks to improve sleep efficiency. Health care professionals (HCPs) including general practitioners, pharmacists, and nurses participated in prescribing SleepFix to appropriate insomnia patients (i.e. having at least one item from a 3-item DSM-5 checklist). The main outcome measured was the number of SleepFix downloads. Interviews explored the responses of HCPs and patients on using digital insomnia treatments. Results 30 HCPs (21 GPs, 6 pharmacists and 3 nurses) and 105 patients participated in the study between November 2021 and March 2022. 14 HCPs prescribed the digital therapy at least once and 50 patients (47.6%) downloaded and used SleepFix. Post-study interviews found HCPs were willing to incorporate digital sleep programs into practice, and patients found SleepFix acceptable. Significant improvements in insomnia, mood, and sleep quality were seen after 6 weeks of using SleepFix. Discussion This trial demonstrated the successful integration of a digital insomnia therapy program into primary care, offering a potential model for prescribing digital sleep interventions.