A modified Delphi consensus to reframe and prioritise the management of chronic insomnia in UK primary care

Chronic insomnia is a prevalent but under-recognised sleep disorder in the UK, affecting 6.8%-14.9% of adults. It is associated with significant health and economic burdens, yet remains under-diagnosed and poorly managed in primary care. This study aimed to address key gaps in the understanding, diagnosis and management of chronic insomnia and to develop consensus-based recommendations to optimise care pathways across the National Health Service.

A modified Delphi consensus study.

UK primary care, involving general practitioners, pharmacists and sleep specialists.

A multidisciplinary steering group of seven UK healthcare professionals (HCPs) with expertise in chronic insomnia developed 39 statements. These were tested in a two-round Delphi survey distributed to a panel of 201 HCPs. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement on a 4-point Likert scale.

Consensus was reached for 37 of the 39 statements. Key findings included the recognition of chronic insomnia as a distinct chronic condition, the recommendation to include routine sleep-related screening in primary care and the need for increased HCP training in cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and pharmacological treatment. Respondents highlighted the necessity for greater awareness and public engagement regarding insomnia and its treatment options. In spite of mitigating biases, responses may have been subject to acquiescence bias.

The study identifies systemic barriers to effective insomnia care and calls for chronic insomnia to be prioritised in UK primary care. The resulting consensus recommendations aim to reduce the burden of untreated insomnia, improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare delivery and increase economic productivity.