Resources for Effective Sleep Treatment (REST) is a three year quality improvement project funded by the Health Foundation as part of their Engaging With Quality in Primary Care initiative.
The project aims to improve treatment for people with insomnia by promoting a range of treatment options beyond sleeping pills and is being carried out across Lincolnshire.
Insomnia is a common and often disabling condition affecting the adult working and elderly population with a prevalence ranging from 6 to 48% in the United Kingdom.[1] Half of those with insomnia seek medical help for their condition[2] and this often involves prescription of a benzodiazepine such as temazepam or a Z-drug such as zopiclone, zolpidem or…
The team measured the quality of clinical care for insomnia and the rate of adoption and spread of changes in practice using a range of quantitative and qualitative measures. Prescribing quality indicators were collected and analysed monthly using the following routine Prescribing Analysis and Cost (PACT) data for primary care: Patient measures included: The team…
The aim of the study was to produce measurable improvements in the management of insomnia across Lincolnshire, specifically to: By achieving the above aims there will be potential recurrent costs savings exceeding £180k per annum in Lincolnshire which could:
Everyone has difficulty sleeping at some point in their life but in most cases this is short term. However, around one in ten people suffer chronic insomnia, which occurs on a regular basis or over a long period of time. It is most commonly caused by stress and worry but can also be triggered by…
Sleep problems are common, affecting over a third of the population with many patients going on to have long term problems. Insomnia is associated with a range of psychological, physical and social problems contributing to daytime tiredness, which in turn can lead to accidents and work or relationship problems. Patients will often seek help from their general…
The REST team have disseminated their findings as the project progresses. As well as several journal publications, the team have presented locally, nationally and internationally since the beginning of the project. Journal Publications Siriwardena AN,Qureshi Z,Gibson S,Latham M. Family doctors’ attitudes and behaviour to benzodiazepine and Z drug prescribing:a barrier to implementation of evidence and guidance on hypnotics. British…