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Sleep clinics with health visitors: a 2-year evaluation
E Richards1, R T Bidder, S Gardner
1Child Development Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
Child: Care, Health and Development
|November 1, 1992
Summary
A 2-year evaluation of a joint health visitor and clinical psychologist sleep service found it ineffective. The service showed poor referral rates, low improvement, and lacked cost-effectiveness, questioning its viability.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health Services
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
Background:
- A previous model for sleep services was established by psychologists and child development advisors.
- A joint service model involving health visitors and clinical psychologists was developed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and viability of a joint health visitor and clinical psychologist sleep service over two years.
- To identify factors contributing to the challenges faced by such specialized sleep clinics.
Main Methods:
- A prospective evaluation of a sleep service over a 2-year period.
- Data collection on referral rates, patient improvement, service sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- The service demonstrated unfavorable outcomes regarding referral rates and patient improvement.
- The continued existence and cost-effectiveness of the service were not supported by the findings.
- Analysis indicated significant challenges in the operational model.
Conclusions:
- The evaluated joint sleep service model is not recommended based on its performance.
- Further investigation into the specific reasons for service difficulties is warranted.
- Alternative models for pediatric sleep services may be necessary.