P056 Clinical management of sleep in children with neurodisabilities: Delphi consensus

Abstract Introduction Respiratory and non-respiratory behavioural sleep problems effect the majority of children with neurodisabilities (ND), with these problems having a detrimental effect on children’s development alongside their physical and mental wellbeing. Currently, there are no clinical guidelines for standardised treatment for clinicians to follow when managing children with ND and sleep problems. Methods Paediatric sleep specialists from Australia and New Zealand were asked to participate in 2 online survey rounds and 1 virtual round table discussion. First round of survey questions focused on understanding how clinicians currently treat respiratory and behavioural sleep problems as well as their level of competence and training in treatment for this population. Results 30 participants completed the round 1 questionnaire with 70% having completed majority of their post-graduate training in Australia and 97% working in a metropolitan area. 73% felt confident managing sleep problems, however only 20% knew the prevalence of sleep problems in children with ND. 40% of participants used sleep screening tools in addition to clinical sleep history and only 33% reported regular use of resources to aid management of sleep in children with ND. Conclusions Preliminary results of this modified Delphi study suggests that evaluation and management of sleep in children with ND vary amongst specialists, likely reflecting the lack of guidance and complexity of sleep in this population. Through this modified Delphi consensus we hope to develop a standardised approach to assessment and management of sleep problems in children with ND, supporting clinicians to deliver optimal care for this population.