Citation

Adams-Leask K, Varona L, Dua C, Baldock M, Gerace A, Muir-Cochrane E. Australas. Psychiatry 2018; 26(5): 514-519.

Affiliation

Chair of Nursing (Mental Health), College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1039856217751988

PMID

29417830

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.

Language: en

Keywords

distress; emergency department; least restrictive practice; mental health; sensory modulation