Making Sense of Multi-Sensory Environments: A Scoping Review

The design and development of a community based multisensory room

“…This was based on the Internet Self-Management Uniform Reporting Framework (iSMURF) (Burns et al 2013). The MERRF framework supports researchers in identifying the active ingredients in MSE design (Cameron et al 2019).…”

“…Michael is an international expert in citizen engagement working with public administration Introduction Multisensory environments (MSEs) are spaces created to allow users to control their sensory experiences. Users interact with equipment specifically designed to support sensory interactions (Cameron et al 2019). The equipment found in such a room may include bubble tubes, essential oils and projectors with changing light patterns.…”

“…schools, nursing homes and hospitals, and have only been accessible to people who are part of those institutions. Research has shown that MSEs can improve quality of life and provide safe and enjoyable leisure experiences for people living with autism or dementia (Cameron et al 2019). Other terms commonly used to refer to MSEs, include "comfort rooms," "sensory rooms" and "Snoezelen rooms" (Hulsegge & Verheul 1987).…”

“…Initial seed grant funding was obtained from UOW Global Challenges research program to explore the parameters of a community based multisensory room. The initial funding allowed a scoping review to be undertaken in order to identify the settings where MSEs are used, the reasons for their implementation, and the type of equipment installed and the reported impact of MSEs upon users (Cameron et al 2019). MSEs were found to be used in mental health care, intellectual and developmental disabilities, dementia, traumatic brain injuries and maternity.…”

“…However, due to the wide range of research designs and methodologies employed, it was difficult to determine which equipment or sensory experiences were most effective (Cameron et al 2019). In order to address these inconsistencies, the Multisensory Environment Research Reporting Framework (MERRF) was developed to provide a uniform approach in reporting the effectiveness of MSEs (Cameron et al 2019). This was based on the Internet Self-Management Uniform Reporting Framework (iSMURF) (Burns et al 2013).…”