Feasibility of Brief Sleep Screening in Primary Care: A Rural Medical Track Quality Improvement Project

Authors

  • Josh LaMar
  • Krista Schumacher Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Center for Rural Health

Abstract

Background

Sleep difficulties affect a significant number of U.S. adults, making sleep a public health priority. However, clinical screening for sleep problems is uncommon, particularly in primary care.

 

Methods

This quality improvement project assessed the feasibility of screening adult primary care patients for sleep habits and perceived sleep difficulty during a 4-week medical student rotation. Under the direction of Family Medicine resident physicians, the student screened patients using an internally developed instrument. Screening time, documentation of results, and resident participation were tracked.

 

Results

Of the 10 residents the medical student worked with, eight permitted screening, with half documenting results in the patient note. On average, screening took about 5 minutes. All 23 patients invited to participate consented, with many reporting sleep problems.

 

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that sleep screening may be feasible during primary care visits without disrupting workflow. Patient outcomes indicate the need for such screening, while resident engagement suggests that most providers may be willing to screen for sleep issues. This project contributes to the growing emphasis on sleep as a public health priority.

 

Keywords: Sleep hygiene, sleep problems, quality improvement, sleep quality screening, medical education

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Published

2026-05-14

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Articles

Section

Public Health

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