Insomnia in cancer patients - A survey of health-care professionals' views and current practice in Romania.

Abstract

Background: Changes in the quality of sleep are reported often in cancer patients and have a major impact on general health. However, insomnia tends to be insufficiently evaluated and managed.

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the perception of clinical staff working in oncology units regarding patients' sleep disorders. Furthermore, we assessed the prevalence of insomnia in this category of professionals.

Materials and methods: The study was cross sectional and used a descriptive and correlational design. Clinical personnel working in oncology departments were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding sleep problems in patients, and optionally, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index questionnaire was administered. Correlations between age, profession, experience, and their responses were statistically analyzed.

Results: We gathered 101 responses, with 63.4% coming from doctors. With one exception, all professionals observed changes in sleep patterns in patients, but less than a third were actively looking for these problems and only three health professionals used questionnaires. No significant differences in answers were noted based on age, profession, or experience. Regarding professionals, 45.6% of them had impaired sleep based on the Pittsburgh questionnaire results.

Conclusion: Oncology staff are aware of the existence and impact of sleep problems, but active assessment for sleep problems is low. There is a relative high prevalence of poor sleep quality among oncology staff. In order to improve the well-being of patients, the quality of sleep should be documented as part of the care plan. The existence of guidelines is desirable.