Flinders University Research Suggests GP Nurses Could Drastically Improve Sleep Care Access Through Co-Designed Treatment Models

New Flinders University study shows how co-designed, nurse-led models in general practice can improve access to treatment for insomnia and sleep apnoea.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 6:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

The Untapped Potential of General Practice Nursing

Despite clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for sleep disorders, these models have struggled to transition from research trials to everyday medical clinics. A comprehensive review by researchers at Flinders University has identified a significant opportunity for general practice nurses to bridge the gap in sleep health services. By utilizing existing staff to manage common conditions like chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the healthcare system could significantly reduce the current burden on specialists and provide patients with more immediate relief.

Overcoming Real-World Implementation Barriers

The study is the first of its kind to synthesize findings from 85 different reports to understand why effective care models often fail to be adopted in routine practice. Lead author Nicole Grivell, a registered nurse and sleep researcher, noted that while the clinical efficacy of nurse-delivered care is well-documented, the practical enablers and barriers remain poorly understood. The research suggests that a lack of funding for nurse-specific consultations and a failure to integrate these services into the existing workflow of a busy GP clinic are primary reasons these models have not yet been successfully implemented.

A Specialized Approach to Common Conditions

General practice nurses are uniquely positioned to deliver highly effective, non-pharmacological treatments that are often difficult for patients to access. Specifically, nurses can be trained to provide cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) and offer critical support for patients beginning treatment with CPAP machines for sleep apnoea. These interventions are known to improve long-term wellbeing and daily functioning, yet rising specialist wait times often prevent patients from receiving this care in a timely manner.