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01-10-2013 | Original Article

A Pan-Canadian practice guideline: prevention, screening, assessment, and treatment of sleep disturbances in adults with cancer

Authors: Doris Howell, Thomas K. Oliver, Sue Keller-Olaman, Judith Davidson, Sheila Garland, Charles Samuels, Josée Savard, Cheryl Harris, Michèle Aubin, Karin Olson, Jonathan Sussman, James MacFarlane, Claudette Taylor, as the Sleep Disturbance Expert Panel on behalf of the Cancer Journey Advisory Group of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 10/2013

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide recommendations on the optimal strategies and interventions for the prevention, screening, assessment, and management of cancer-related sleep disturbance (insomnia and insomnia syndrome) in adult cancer populations.

Methods

A systematic search of the published health literature was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials, clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, and other guidance documents. The Sleep Disturbance Expert Panel [comprised of nurses, psychologists, primary care physicians, oncologists, physicians specialized in sleep disturbances, researchers, and guideline methodologists] reviewed, discussed, and approved the final version of the guideline. Health care professionals across Canada were asked to provide feedback through an external review process.

Results

Three clinical practice guidelines and 12 randomized controlled trials were identified as the evidence base. Overall, despite the paucity of evidence, the evidence and expert consensus suggest that it is important to screen and assess adult cancer patients for sleep disturbances using standardized screening tools on a routine basis. While prevention of sleep disturbance is the desired objective, cognitive behavioral therapies are effective in improving sleep outcomes. As part of the external review with 16 health care providers, 81 % indicated that they agreed with the recommendations as written.

Conclusions

Sleep difficulty is a prevalent problem in cancer populations that needs greater recognition by health professionals. Prevention, screening, assessment, and treatment strategies supported by the best available evidence are critical. Recommendations and care path algorithms for practice are offered.

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Title: A Pan-Canadian practice guideline: prevention, screening, assessment, and treatment of sleep disturbances in adults with cancer
Authors: Doris Howell
Thomas K. Oliver
Sue Keller-Olaman
Judith Davidson
Sheila Garland
Charles Samuels
Josée Savard
Cheryl Harris
Michèle Aubin
Karin Olson
Jonathan Sussman
James MacFarlane
Claudette Taylor
as the Sleep Disturbance Expert Panel on behalf of the Cancer Journey Advisory Group of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
Publication date: 01-10-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 10/2013
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-1823-6

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