P075 Use of an innovative tool to screen for sleep disorders in primary care

Abstract Effective screening for sleep problems in primary care is an essential first step in the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders. However, sleep disorders are complex and often overlooked by both primary care clinicians and patients. This pilot project trialled an innovative technological approach to help screen for common sleep disorders and provide treatment decision support recommendations to general practitioners (GPs) and patients in primary care. This mixed methods study included interviews with GPs to investigate the needs and specifications for a digital sleep health decision support tool in primary care. A pilot study trialled the usefulness and feasibility of an innovative tool to screen for sleep disorders in general practice. Data collected included uptake of the tool, feedback from GP follow-up interviews and patient surveys. Results from 5 GPs and 23 patients indicate ease of use in primary care and clinical utility are important, and that the decision support tool helped to reinforce clinical decision making and raised the priority of sleep disorders with patients. Issues with workflow, patient motivation and engagement were identified as barriers limiting usage. With growing interest in the management of sleep disorders in primary care, GPs need streamlined tools to easily identify patients at risk of sleep problems. An innovative decision support tool is useful in primary care to support clinical decision making and encourage patients to seek help for sleep problems. A larger scale trial is warranted to assess the impact of this tool on clinical decisions and patient outcomes in primary care.