Doctoral Project Defense: Julia Haubrich

Candidate: Julia Haubrich

Major: Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advisor: Diane Davis, D.N.P.

Title: The Impact of a Staff-Led Sleep Hygiene Program on Sleep Quality Among Hospitalized Pediatric Oncology Patients

Advances in medical treatment for pediatric cancers has vastly improved the survival rate for these patients. However, not enough attention is given to the effects to quality of life that accompanies a pediatric cancer diagnosis and treatment. Sleep quality is one of the factors of quality of life that greatly suffers during pediatric cancer treatment. This project evaluates the impact of a staff-led sleep hygiene program on the quality of sleep experienced by pediatric oncology patients while hospitalized. Current literature describes the decrease in sleep quality experienced by this population, but this topic is not well explored. This project educated staff on best sleep practices and gave them the tools to educate caregivers. Using a mixed-methods approach, caregivers of inpatient pediatric patients completed the PROMIS sleep survey before and after implementation of a sleep hygiene program. Data were gathered over seven weeks from 36 pre surveys and 36 post surveys. The data from all eight post survey questions showed statistical significance when compared to pre surveys. Additionally, focus groups were held with staff to gather their feedback and perceptions of what could be improved in the sleep hygiene program and the overall effect of the study. Twenty-eight of 34 participating staff members participated in informal focus groups during shifts. Overall, staff identified sleep quality as an ongoing issue for this patient population and concluded that project improved sleep quality in some way for many of the patients involved and can be important in improving clinical outcomes.