title: Establishing sensory-based approaches in mental health inpatient care: a multidisciplinary approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To reflect upon the implementation of sensory-based approaches within the environment of a psychiatric inpatient unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Mercy Mental Health Psychiatric Unit, Werribee, VIC, Australia. AChalmers@mercy.com.au
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chalmers
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Kade
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mollison
authors.forename: Noel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Molloy
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gray
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control*