TY - JOUR
T1 - The benefits of sensory modulation on levels of distress for consumers in a mental health emergency setting
AU - Adams-Leask, Karen
AU - Varona, Lisa
AU - Dua, Charu
AU - Baldock, Michael
AU - Gerace, Adam
AU - Muir-Cochrane, Eimear
PY - 2018/10/1
Y1 - 2018/10/1
N2 - Objectives: This paper reports a pilot study exploring the benefits of offering sensory modulation within a mental health emergency setting for consumers experiencing distress during a psychiatric presentation. Methods: Seventy-four consumers with a mental health presentation reported on their sensory modulation use experiences during their stay in a South Australian tertiary teaching hospital emergency department. An evaluation form was used to document use of items, self-reported distress pre and post sensory modulation use, and other consumer experiences. Results: Consumers used between one and six sensory items for a median duration of 45 min. There was a statistically significant reduction (t(73) = 15.83, p <.001) in self-reported distress post sensory modulation use, and consumers also reported that use was helpful, distracting, calming and assisted in managing negative emotions and thoughts. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential value of sensory-based interventions in reducing behavioural and emotional dysregulation in an emergency setting whilst also promoting consumer self-management strategies.
AB - Objectives: This paper reports a pilot study exploring the benefits of offering sensory modulation within a mental health emergency setting for consumers experiencing distress during a psychiatric presentation. Methods: Seventy-four consumers with a mental health presentation reported on their sensory modulation use experiences during their stay in a South Australian tertiary teaching hospital emergency department. An evaluation form was used to document use of items, self-reported distress pre and post sensory modulation use, and other consumer experiences. Results: Consumers used between one and six sensory items for a median duration of 45 min. There was a statistically significant reduction (t(73) = 15.83, p <.001) in self-reported distress post sensory modulation use, and consumers also reported that use was helpful, distracting, calming and assisted in managing negative emotions and thoughts. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential value of sensory-based interventions in reducing behavioural and emotional dysregulation in an emergency setting whilst also promoting consumer self-management strategies.
KW - distress
KW - emergency department
KW - least restrictive practice
KW - mental health
KW - sensory modulation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85042216369&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/1039856217751988
DO - 10.1177/1039856217751988
M3 - Article
VL - 26
SP - 514
EP - 519
JO - Australasian Psychiatry
JF - Australasian Psychiatry
SN - 1039-8562
IS - 5
ER -