An Exploration of the Use of a Sensory Room in a Forensic Mental Health Setting: Staff and Patient Perspectives

Abstract

Despite the increased use of sensory rooms, there is little published evidence related to their benefits. The purpose of this study was to explore staff and patient perspectives of the use of a sensory room in an Australian forensic mental health setting. Staff and patients on a forensic hospital unit were recruited for this study. Focus group data was obtained from the perspective of the healthcare staff. A sensory assessment identified patients' sensory preferences. The details of the patients sensory room use and stress experienced before and after using the sensory room were recorded. The results showed a mean decrease in stress that was attributed to the use of the sensory room. Stress reducing benefits of sensory room use may improve a patient's experience within a forensic mental health facility while applying a recovery approach. As a limitation of the study, patient stress was rated on an un-validated scale. Further research is needed for greater insight and evidence in evaluating the use of sensory rooms in forensic mental health settings in reducing stress. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The experiences of patients in using sensory rooms in psychiatric inpatient care

“…; Smith & Jones ; Sutton et al . ; Wiglesworth & Farnworth ). Similarly, our findings align with research on how staff members perceive the effects of sensory rooms on patients’ well‐being and de‐escalation (Björkdahl et al .…”

“…Wiglesworth and Farnworth () used a mixed methods design to explore the use of a sensory room on a forensic female inpatient ward from the perspectives of patients and staff. Similar to previous literature, the results showed that patients generally reported less distress after use of the room.…”

“…Similar to previous literature, the results showed that patients generally reported less distress after use of the room. Staff described the room as a positive alternative environment on the ward and discussed positive and negative aspects of staff supervision in the room (Wiglesworth & Farnworth ). Björkdahl et al .…”

Sensory strategies in adult mental health: A qualitative exploration of staff perspectives following the introduction of a sensory room on a male adult acute ward

“…A 6‐week programme consisting of both individual and group interventions of 1‐hour duration each was implemented in psychiatric intensive care settings and resulted in self‐reported reductions in arousal patterns after using the room (Gardner ). Wiglesworth and Farnworth () report that female service users in forensic settings engaging with the sensory room had significant reductions in stress.…”

“…Since then, Björkdahl et al . () and Wiglesworth and Farnworth () have also produced papers exploring staff and patient perspectives in more depth. This evaluation focuses on staff perspectives and experience of sensory interventions.…”