Abstract
Aim: To understand caregivers’ experiences implementing sleep systems for children with complex neurodisability — to help guide clinicians on ways to support caregivers successfully implement and sustain use.
Children with complex neurodisability are characterised by limited gross motor ability, decreased ability to change position, with associated pain, sleep and respiratory disorders. Sustained asymmetry in supine has been linked to development of non-reducible and progressive deformities e.g. hip dislocation, pelvic obliquity, wind sweeping, and scoliosis. 24-hour postural management is a conservative intervention (primarily equipment for sitting, standing, lying, bracing, training and programmes) to address body positions over a 24-hour period. Sleep systems support the body in neutral/ symmetrical lying positions. However, limited robust evidence for the effectiveness of sleep systems impacts decisionmaking, prescription and intervention. Implementing and sustaining sleep system use is difficult, with high abandonment rates. Little is known regarding caregivers experience of sleep system intervention. Therefore opportunities exist to explore which factors impact implementation and sustained use.