The benefits of sensory modulation on levels of distress for consumers in a mental health emergency setting. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adams-Leask, Karen; Varona, Lisa; Dua, Charu; Baldock, Michael; Gerace, Adam; Muir-Cochrane, Eimear
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 26:Number 5(2018:Oct.)
• Page Start: 514
• Page End: 519
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: sensory modulation -- mental health -- emergency department -- distress -- least restrictive practice; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856217751988
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

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.