Pilot Investigation of the Use and Usefulness of a Sensory Modulation Room in a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

We describe the introduction, creation and use of a sensory modulation room in a child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit. Combined with organization wide initiatives and a brief sensory and risk assessment tool, our introduction of a sensory modulation room demonstrated improved patient energy and arousal, and reduced seclusion and full restraint episodes up to 12 months after introduction. Creation of a sensory modulation room appears to be a worthwhile endeavor in aiding children and adolescents admitted to a psychiatric hospital to manage distress and agitation and may also aid efforts at reducing seclusion and restraint in this population.