190527 - Paediatric sleep disorders

This activity will take GPs through a series of interactive case studies involving sleep disorders in newborns and infants, young children and adolescents. The activity will explore the basic sleep patterns of children and adolescents, the prevalence of the different types of sleep disorders and how to screen for and assess them. The management options are also discussed along with the situations where referral to specialty services might be appropriate.

Sleep disorders in children are common affecting 30-40% of infants and children below school age. Sleep disorders in children can have significant effects on their health and are strongly associated with behavioural, concentration and mood problems. General practitioners play a key role in the identification and diagnosis of paediatric sleep disorders and can implement a range of simple strategies that have been shown to be effective. An important role of the GP is also to differentiate those children that would benefit from referral to specialty services.

This activity will take GPs through a series of case studies that explore the most common sleep disorders in children and how to manage them.

D1. Communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship

• Ways in which health can be optimised and maintained are communicated to patients, family members and carers

D2. Applied professional knowledge and skills

• Diagnosis and management is evidence-based and relevant to the needs of the patient

D3. Population health and the context of general practice

D4. Professional and ethical role

• Duty of care is maintained

D5. Organisational and legal dimensions

• Children and young people health
• Ear and nose medicine

Australasian Sleep Association (ASA)