Adapting the Auckland Sleep Screening Tool for pharmacy: pharmacists' experience and feedback

INTRODUCTION Insomnia has negative health effects and may indicate underlying serious conditions, but is underdiagnosed and often not discussed with a doctor. AIM This study aimed to explore the utility and workability in New Zealand community pharmacies of a 23-question sleep-screening tool adapted from the Short Auckland Sleep Questionnaire. METHODS A multidisciplinary advisory group (sleep specialist, general practitioner and pharmacists) discussed the tool, pharmacists' capability in managing insomnia and training needs for pharmacists, and recommended management strategies, including referral points. Twelve community pharmacists piloted the tool with people with insomnia who presented in pharmacies, recording the time it took to administer the tool. The pharmacists were then surveyed about their experiences with the tool and possible improvements. RESULTS Ten pharmacists took an average of 12.4 min (range 4-35 min) for each use of the screening tool with 62 people with insomnia. Most pharmacists found the screening tool easy to administer, organised and easy to follow and nine of 10 said it provided better information than their usual consultation. Seven of 10 pharmacists would use it again. Time limitations and low recruitment were potential barriers to usage especially for pharmacy owners. DISCUSSION The screening tool could provide a useful addition to pharmacists' toolkits, aiding information gathering and better than usual practice. The tool was acceptable to most pharmacists, but its use takes time and remuneration needs consideration.