Objective:
Pediatric insomnia is common among children; however, access to evidence-based treatment is limited. The ABCs of SLEEPING tool was developed to facilitate assessment of children’s sleep habits and provide evidence-based recommendations. The title serves as a mnemonic device that captures practice areas known to be foundational to healthy sleep:
A
ge-appropriate
B
edtimes and wake-times with
C
onsistency,
S
chedules and routines,
L
ocation,
E
xercise and diet, no
E
lectronics in bedroom or before bed,
P
ositivity,
I
ndependence, and
N
eeds met, equal
G
reat sleep. The tool includes an online questionnaire for parents, followed by electronic feedback highlighting problem areas and handouts including evidence-based recommendations. The current study assesses the usability of the ABCs of SLEEPING tool.
Method:
Twenty-two parents used the ABCs of SLEEPING tool, then provided feedback. Eight health care providers also reviewed the tool and provided feedback.
Results:
The ABCs of SLEEPING tool was rated as highly usable, desirable, accessible, and credible. Participants noted that minor modifications, such as prioritizing and customizing recommendations, may enhance the usefulness and valuableness. Participant feedback will be incorporated into a modified version.
Conclusion:
The ABCs of SLEEPING tool has the potential to address the need for a comprehensive and accessible resource for parents and to support health care providers in assessing and treating pediatric insomnia, and thus improving access to care.
Implications for Impact Statement
This study describes the development and usability testing of a tool designed to increase access to information and resources focused on healthy sleep practices for children. Feedback from parents and health care providers suggest that the ABCs of SLEEPING tool has the potential to support initial assessment and intervention of childhood behavioral sleep problems.
