Occupational therapists' role in sleep management in palliative care: A cross-sectional survey

Sleep is fundamental to an individual's health, well-being and quality of life. Poor sleep and sleep disturbances are common for individuals receiving palliative care. Occupational therapists play a crucial role by effectively addressing sleep in this context. However, there has been limited research regarding the role, scope and implementation of sleep management interventions among occupational therapists within palliative care, and the needs that therapists have to support this area of practice.

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Australian occupational therapists with current or recent experience in palliative care. Qualitative data from open-ended response items were analysed using content analysis.

Fifty-one occupational therapists (92.2% female) with an average of 7.6 years of experience working in palliative care completed the online survey. Most participants (88.2%) perceived that sleep was within the scope of the occupational therapy practice in palliative care; however, few participants indicated good/excellent knowledge of sleep or sleep assessment and intervention. Barriers to adequately addressing sleep issues included a lack of therapists' knowledge, limited understanding of the scope by other professionals, workload constraints and limited resources.

Occupational therapists may benefit from evidence-based resources and guidelines to address sleep issues in palliative care.