Clinical Insights into the Management of Sleep Disturbances within Cancer Care: A Qualitative Analysis

Purpose The present study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how oncology healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) manage sleep disturbances. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 oncology HCPs (medical oncologists, oncology nurse practitioners, clinical nurse consultants) working in metropolitan Perth, Western Australia. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to understand oncology HCPs perspectives on treating sleep disturbances, explore challenges and barriers to their management, as well as opportunities for improvement. Results Four main themes were developed: (1) sleep disturbances are underreported and underassessed, (2) poor sleep can be difficult to manage, (3) limited capacity to address sleep issues and (4) opportunities for the future. Conclusion Understanding current clinical management practices used by oncology HCPs to manage sleep disturbances, along with their perceived opportunities to improve the management of sleep in cancer care are crucial. Efforts to implement these opportunities should focus on co-design with relevant stakeholders at all levels.