Sensory approaches in mental health: A scoping review

Sensory approaches in mental health are designed to assist consumers to regulate physiological and emotional arousal. They have been highlighted as non-invasive, self-directed and empowering interventions that may support recovery-oriented and trauma-informed mental health practice and may assist in efforts to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint. Over recent years, there has been a substantial increase in research in this area. However, there has not yet been any attempt to map and summarise this literature.

A five-stage scoping review was conducted. Four databases were searched for literature evaluating sensory interventions implemented in mental health settings.

A total of 17 studies were included in the final review. A range of sensory approaches was evaluated and a range of outcomes measured. In general, consumers reported reductions in distress associated with engaging in sensory interventions. Results in terms of reduction of seclusion and restraint were mixed, with some studies reporting a decrease, others reporting no change and one reporting an increase. Methodological limitations in the studies reviewed mean that results should be interpreted with caution.

Although there is emerging evidence for the usefulness of sensory approaches in supporting consumers' self-management of distress, there is less evidence for sensory approaches supporting reductions in seclusion and restraint when used in isolation. More research is necessary, but sensory approaches do appear safe and effective. Services wishing to reduce seclusion and restraint should implement sensory approaches in conjunction with other strategies to achieve this important outcome.