Sensory resources were purchased to improve the ward environment and to help individuals manage sensory input . Patients purchased lights , fidget toys and aroma diffusers for their bedrooms .”
Sensory resources were purchased to improve the ward environment and to help individuals manage sensory input . Patients purchased lights , fidget toys and aroma diffusers for their bedrooms .”
The setting
The service in question is an 18-bed specialist tier four personality disorder service that admits women if they have a diagnosis of personality disorder , exhibit self-harming behaviour and are able to accept the need for help . The occupancy level was at 15 for the duration of the QI project .
Patients can be detained under the Mental Health Act , or it can be informal . The multidisciplinary team works together with the women to provide a holistic , comprehensive assessment and care plan . The treatment regime typically includes medication , dialectical behavioural therapy , interpersonal groups and goal focused strategies .
Planning the intervention
The QI project was planned to address the clinical outcomes for the general ward milieu , by introducing sensory interventions .
Education sessions on sensory modulation were provided for all multidisciplinary staff ( face to face or virtual ). The training included environmental influences that may increase anxiety and disorganised behaviours , information on sensory processing difficulties and helpful strategies , and understanding one ’ s own sensory input and the benefits of more centred staff .
An evaluation tool was created to capture self-rating of knowledge , skills and confidence before and after the training . A ticket to access the visiting sensory trailer was provided after the training .
There was a sensory awareness group ( a six-week course ) to introduce strategies and resources to support patients to self-regulate their sensory input . This group also supported self-management with the creation of sensory boxes and sensory ladders .
Sensory resources were introduced to provide environments to help patients manage overstimulating sensory input and self soothe . These resources were moved from the occupational therapy department to the ward resource cupboard . Sensory items were risk assessed to support patients purchasing items for their bedrooms and a safety pod was also purchased as an alternative to physical intervention .
A portable sensory room visit was arranged with an external company , for staff and patients to try out equipment and discuss their experiences . All patients on the ward were invited to visit the sensory trailer . This supported patient and public involvement of the project , to influence and shape the introduction of sensory interventions .
And finally , a proposal was submitted to develop the ward quiet room into a sensory room .
Intervention and feedback
Quantitative and qualitative data from before and after the project was compared to analyse staff education , patient perspectives and KPI compliance to :
• reduce the number of coercive interventions ( restraint )
• improve the quality of de-escalation
• reduce the number of self-harm incidents
• improve self-management ( distress management )
• improve performance and participation with activities of daily living .
A range of sensory interventions took place within the QI project period ( November 2022 to July 2023 ).
Staff education provided an opportunity to discuss the relevance and role of sensory strategies in adult mental health and the sessions were well attended , with positive feedback . Evaluation forms to rate people ’ s knowledge , skills and confidence , before and after , indicated improved ratings for all participants on the Likert scales .
A ward-based sensory awareness group was set up to engage patients in activities that ground , calm and maintain alertness and patients shared the impact of sensory sensitivity and sensory avoidance on occupational engagement . Tools were introduced to support self-identification of sensory ‘ needs ’ and support to execute adaptive behaviours .
Sensory resources were purchased to improve the ward environment and to help individuals
42 OTnews October 2023