P057 Exploring the ‘Pharmacist Role’ in Insomnia Management and Care Provision: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Abstract Background Insomnia is a highly burdensome sleep disorder, with a global prevalence of approximately thirty percent in adults. Given its impact on daily functioning and the role it plays in the development/progression of comorbid mental/physical disease, appropriate and timely management is essential. Pharmacists are at the forefront of the primary care workforce and given their expanding roles in healthcare, could aid in alleviating the burden of insomnia in the community by delivering adequate care. Objectives To describe the current and potential roles of pharmacists in insomnia care. Methods An extensive search of five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, IPA, CINAHL) was conducted. Titles, abstracts, and full text articles were screened to identify relevant studies for review inclusion. Articles were reviewed and data extracted, analysed, and grouped categorically based on nature of care provided. Results Thirty studies met inclusion criteria. Insomnia management provision across these studies was divided categorically into 1) Screening/Assessment, 2) Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management provision, and 3) Deprescribing services. Regarding treatment provision, it was evident that pharmacological approaches remain the most common treatment modality adopted despite guidelines recommending behavioural therapy as first line. Overall, the results highlighted that provided with the adequate training and education, pharmacists have the potential to engage in insomnia screening, behavioural therapy and deprescribing services, improving overall insomnia management in primary care. Conclusion The outcomes of this review highlight a current gap in insomnia management practices carried out by pharmacists and provide evidence for improved roles when pharmacists are upskilled with specialised insomnia management education/training.