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OBJECTIVE: To reflect upon the implementation of sensory-based approaches within the environment of a psychiatric inpatient unit. METHOD: A literature review on sensory modulation within psychiatric inpatient care, including seclusion and restraint reduction initiatives, was conducted. A variety of sensory-based principles were planned, developed and implemented over a 3-year period. Preliminary data regarding sensory room use and acute arousal ratings within the high-dependency area were analysed. RESULTS: Preliminary sensory room data showed a significant reduction in patient distress levels, as per consumer and clinician ratings, and that the majority of sensory room sessions were conducted by nursing staff. A significant reduction was also found for acute arousal ratings, pre to post, for the HDU engagement program. Several issues were uncovered throughout implementation of the sensory-based strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate the importance of cultural change, compared with simply an environmental change, giving all staff and consumers the confidence to utilise a variety of sensory-based methods during times of need. Further Australian research is required to explore the positive contribution sensory modulation can potentially make across the spectrum of psychiatric settings.
Chalmers et al. (Thu,) studied this question.