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Sleep problems in pediatric practice: clinical issues for the pediatric nurse practitioner

Jodi A Mindell1, Judith A Owens

  • 1St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA. jmindell@sju.edu

Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners
|November 12, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric sleep problems are common but often missed. This study highlights their impact and provides resources for pediatric nurse practitioners to improve recognition and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric sleep medicine
  • Clinical nursing practice
  • Child health outcomes

Background:

  • Sleep problems are a significant, often overlooked issue in children and adolescents.
  • Undiagnosed sleep issues negatively affect children, families, and healthcare.
  • Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) play a crucial role in identifying and managing these problems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To inform PNPs about the impact of pediatric sleep problems.
  • To explore clinical practice challenges related to pediatric sleep identified by PNPs.
  • To offer practical resources for PNP-led prevention and treatment of sleep issues in children.

Main Methods:

  • A needs assessment survey was conducted.
  • The survey targeted 317 PNPs attending the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) 2003 Annual Conference.
  • Data gathered from the survey informed the discussion on clinical practice and available resources.

Main Results:

  • PNPs identified significant clinical practice issues concerning pediatric sleep.
  • The survey highlighted a need for better understanding and resources among PNPs.
  • Results underscore the prevalence and impact of sleep disorders in pediatric populations.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric sleep problems require greater clinical attention and systematic management.
  • Enhanced education and accessible resources are vital for PNPs to address pediatric sleep issues effectively.
  • Improving PNP knowledge and tools can lead to better outcomes for children with sleep disorders.

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