Merck Lecture: “I Can’t Sleep!”: Gathering the evidence for an innovative intervention for insomnia in cancer patients

• Main Authors: Nancy (Surya) A. Absolon, Tracy L. Truant, Lynda G. Balneaves, Frankie L. Goodwin, Rosemary L. Cashman, Margurite E. Wong, Manisha B. Witmans
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pappin Communications 2014-07-01
• Series: Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal
• Online Access: http://www.canadianoncologynursingjournal.com/index.php/conj/article/view/63/72

Sleep-wake disturbances, in particular insomnia, are experienced by 30%–75% of oncology patients, yet no effective interventions have been designed to address this distressing symptom in the ambulatory setting. In response to an identified gap in care, I share the development and evaluation of an innovative sleep intervention designed specifically for the ambulatory setting. Preliminary findings, as well as an informative blueprint for conducting point-of-care research, are described. As a “bedside” nurse it is possible and within our moral imperative and social justice mandate to take action to find evidence-informed solutions to improve care for populations of patients experiencing gaps in care. The “I” used throughout the article refers to the lead author Surya.