NRN Looking For Participants In Alcohol and Sleep Problems Study

The AAFP's National Research Network, or NRN, is looking for family physicians and other health care providers interested in participating in a new study that examines the prevalence of and association between alcohol and sleep problems in primary care patients.

The NRN study is designed to investigate the relationship between sleep disorders and types and severity of alcohol problems; clinicians' awareness level of the possible connection between these two types of patient problems; and the relationship between sleep disorders, alcohol problems and selected chronic diseases, including coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension and depression.

Although evidence is sparse regarding the prevalence and association of alcohol problems and sleep disorders in primary care patients, this research may help develop improved approaches to integrating screening and brief interventions for alcohol and sleep problems into routine primary care practice.

The project will address several research questions:

The study, which is being funded by the Society of General Internal Medicine, will be undertaken at the point of care in selected primary care practices. The NRN is interested in enrolling approximately 100 clinicians and 2,500 patients in the study. Each clinician will collect data for three half days within a seven- to 10-day period. No previous research experience is required, and resident physicians are encouraged to participate.

Eligible patients in the practices chosen for the study will be invited to complete an anonymous exit questionnaire about various sleep disorders and self-reported alcohol problems. Clinicians also will complete a brief exit survey after each enrolled patient's visit asking about the patient's sleep problems, alcohol problems and possible chronic diseases.

For questions or comments, contact Brian Manning at (800) 274-2237, Ext. 3179, or via e-mail, or James Galliher, Ph.D., principal investigator, at (800) 274-2237, Ext. 3170, or via e-mail.