Acceptability, feasibility, and usability of a manualized cognitive behavioural programme for treatment of insomnia in children who sustained traumatic brain injury: A service providers' perspective.

ABSTRACT

Sleep disturbances, especially insomnia, are common and associated with poor outcomes in children following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Yet, clinical treatment guidelines are lacking. Thus, we developed a manualized cognitive-behavioural programme for treatment of insomnia (CBT-I) in children who sustained TBI. The aim of this study was to determine acceptability, feasibility, and usability of the programme from the service providers' perspective. This observational study used an explanatory mixed-methods design. Fifteen clinicians experienced in working with children, patients with sleep disturbances or brain injuries participated. On review of the treatment programme, clinicians completed an online survey assessing (i) the overall format, aesthetics, and clarity of the programme, and (i) the overall quality of the intervention. Analyses involved descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis. Clinician's ratings indicated a high level of agreement in the acceptability, feasibility, and usability of the programme, ranging from 70.9% (the therapist manual) to 86.9% (the intervention approach). Thematic analysis revealed suggestions that related to the developmental appropriateness, feasibility, and usability of the programme. The findings of our study will be used to modify the CBT-I treatment programme that will be further validated in a feasibility clinical trial involving children aged 6-10 years who sustained TBI.