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Sleep medication in Dutch hospitals
R J Halfens1, M L Lendfers, K Cox
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing Science, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Hospitalized patients frequently experience insomnia. A study found that 47% of patients were prescribed sleep medication, with 34% receiving it, highlighting its common use in hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Hospital Management
Background:
- Insomnia is a prevalent nursing issue in hospital settings.
- Sleep medication is a common intervention despite criticism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prescription and provision of sleep medication in Dutch hospitals.
- To explore the relationship between nurses' attitudes and as-needed sleep medication provision.
Main Methods:
- Observational study across three Dutch general hospitals.
- Data collected on a random day from 1076 patients on surgical and medical wards.
Main Results:
- 47% of patients were prescribed sleep medication; 34% received it.
- Higher prescription and provision rates were observed on medical wards compared to surgical wards.
- Significant differences existed between hospitals in the provision of as-needed sleep medication.
Conclusions:
- Sleep medication is widely prescribed and provided to hospitalized patients.
- Nursing interventions may play a role in sleep medication provision, warranting further investigation in educational programs.