NCSHSR investigators, Professor Robert Adams and Dr Alex Sweetman presented at the Flinders Medical Centre Grand Round seminar series on the 1st of July, 2021. The presentation, entitled: Managing sleep disorders in Australian General Practice: An implementation trial covered many aspects of the NCSHSR trials including improving access to funding and equipment, health economics considerations, current research, education modules available for primary care providers, guidelines, and considerations for managing sleep health in Australian primary care settings.
Alex also discussed a pilot trial for the management of insomnia in primary care using digital technology to deliver an online program of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi), Sleepio. Research from the UK and US shows that patients who complete the 6-week online program show significant improvements in insomnia symptoms, depression, and reduced dependence on sedative-hypnotic medicines such as benzodiazepines. CBTi is considered the “gold standard” for insomnia treatment and has proven long-term effectiveness. The pilot trial is an implementation trial to test the feasibility and effectiveness of using this intervention in Australian primary health care settings. The app is currently available in the UK under the NHS but is not yet readily available in Australia, except through this pilot trial.
GPs interested in more information about the pilot trial are encouraged to contact Alex directly: alexander.sweetman@flinders.edu.au
The presentation can be found here: https://youtu.be/jEAIz374T4I – Bob/Alex’s presentation starts at: 21:08
