Nursing champions to promote evidence-based in-hospital sleep: a qualitative descriptive study

Background: Given the significant impact of sleep quality on patient outcomes, integrating evidence-based sleep promotion into routine care practices is essential. Aims: This study aims to explore sleep nursing champions’ (SNCs) experiences of an evidence-based sleep-promoting project in the context of inpatient hospital care. Methods: An explorative qualitative descriptive design with an abductive approach, using the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation – Behaviour (COM-B) model as a theoretical framework, was applied. Data were collected through five semi-structured individual interviews and analysed inductively using a reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were theoretically interconnected with the determinants of the COM-B model. The findings describe barriers and facilitators in the implementation of evidence-based sleep promotion in hospital care. Motivational and hindering factors included the empowering role of the SNC, organisational structures, time and the interprofessional team, all of which influenced changes to current practice. Conclusions: Establishing SNCs requires organisational, practical, social and cultural adaptations. When these conditions are met, SNCs can contribute to person-centred, conducive sleep-promoting environments. The results contribute to nursing practice by advancing theoretical understanding of contextual factors shaping sleep-promoting care and by informing future development of evidence-based strategies for improving patients’ sleep in hospital settings.