OT pathway
In collaboration with occupational therapy leads , I ’ m looking at how the existing pilot pathway could be adapted to suit local service needs , to ensure that sensory screens and care plans are embedded appropriately into local procedure and integrated into care delivery .
We have identified some emerging training needs , including that there is a range of confidence in sensory awareness and management from the occupational therapy perspective . I ’ m piloting workshops for this , and it is likely that recommendations will include some integration of sensory awareness into local induction .
Outside the present remit of the project there is a question of the national picture and how it is implemented into curriculums .
Resource allocation
To support sustainability and avoid duplication , our library services have agreed to be part of a pilot to house a number of the ‘ sensory suitcases ’. This will enable access to a greater number of wards beyond the original scope of the project and thus have wider reach to our service users .
I am working with finance to look at sustainable models for managing the sensory fund that would be low on physical space and would enable access to BDCFT and LYFPT to make requests and have it reviewed by a panel .
One staff said : ‘ This is a wonderful piece of work . It ’ s an area where I want to expand my knowledge , so these resources you are developing sound fantastic .’
The initial impact and reception have been positive from both service users and staff . The project will be evaluated by an independent evaluator to support evidencing the difference that can be made by thinking ‘ all senses in all spaces ’ and ‘ small changes can make a big difference ’.
I truly believe occupational science is highly applicable in project management and service development and would encourage any innovators to carry on creating connection .
Care Quality Commission ( 2020 ) Out of sight – who cares ? A review of restraint , seclusion and segregation for autistic people , and people with a learning disability and / or mental health condition . Available at https :// bit . ly / 47WHX4h [ accessed 28 November 2023 ].
Department of Health and Social Care ( 2021 ) National strategy for autistic children , young people and adults : 2021 to 2026 . Available at https :// bit . ly / 47vzPrr [ accessed 22 August 2023 ].
Government Equalities Office and Equality and Human Rights Commission ( 2010 ) Equality Act 2010 : Guidance , GOV . UK . Available at https :// bit . ly / 49Tq9ZB [ accessed 22 August 2023 ].
National Development for Inclusion ( 2020 ) It ’ s not rocket science : Considering and meeting the sensory needs of autistic children and young people in CAMHS inpatient services . Available at https :// bit . ly / 46BigoO [ accessed 22 August
2023 ].
A bit about me
My clinical background is forensics , mental health rehabilitation and child and adolescent mental health services ( CAMHS ).
This project , where I get to think about the environment , person and what they want or need to do , is something I ’ m very excited about . I come from a neurodiverse family and have my own sensory differences ; I spent a lot of family holidays being told to ‘ look up ’ at the buildings and I ’ m passionate about collaboration and connectivity . Thus , this project is highly compatible with my personal and professional self .
I hope in writing this article I can share ideas and knowledge and others can be inspired to think about the transferability of their skills as an occupational therapist to project management , service development and working with those who work on environments .
Words FREDERIQUE ( FREDDY ) LINDH , Clinical Lead for Sensory Friendly Inpatient Environments , Moorlands View , Lynfield Mount Hospital . To share existing good practice contact frederique . lindh @ bdct . nhs . uk . Since the project began , NHS England has released its ‘ sensory friendly resource pack ’ which can be found at https :// bit . ly / 412MgbR .
Note : * It is recognised these may not be the preferred terms for people , but they are used for the purpose of this article ; ** We are aiming for a sensory based approach and to enhance sensory awareness , not to implement sensory integration .
34 OTnews December 2023