The SAFEBED Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Safety, Acceptability, Feasibility and Efficacy of Bed Enclosure Designs in children with intellectual disability (The SAFEBED Study)
IRAS ID
331700
Contact name
Georgie Agar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aston University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Children with intellectual disability (including intellectual disability of a heterogeneous origin, or associated with autism or a genetic syndrome) often experience poor sleep which can negatively impact them and their caregivers, particularly when children show unsafe behaviours (e.g. food seeking or hurting themselves) overnight. Some caregivers have tried enclosed bed systems, sometimes called 'safe sleeping spaces', which typically consist of a fabric mesh tent-like structure attached over the child’s existing bed, to keep their children safe. However, these have not yet been studied using direct measures of sleep and behaviour. This study will examine whether enclosed bed systems help children aged 3-11 years with intellectual disability and their caregivers to sleep better. Families will be recruited to this study via their NHS clinician, if other sleep interventions have been unsuccessful. Children and at least one (up to two) of their caregivers will wear actiwatch devices to measure their sleep patterns via movement. These assessments will take place for 10 days before and 10 days after the enclosed bed is installed. The study will also explore whether the use of enclosed beds can improve children’s safety overnight and caregivers’ wellbeing, using diary and questionnaire measures. We will also ask health and social care professionals for their perspectives on the use of enclosed beds for individuals with intellectual disability, via an online survey and focus group discussions. Caregivers will also be invited to focus groups to share their experiences of using the enclosed beds. We will use these findings to produce best practice guidelines to help professionals know when to recommend the enclosed beds, and how to evaluate them. This project is funded by the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
24/WS/0009
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion