The impact of Snoezelen in pediatric complex continuing care: A pilot study

Snoezelen is an environment that provides sensory stimulation to individuals in health care and rehabilitative settings. With the presentation of various instruments and materials, individuals can encounter a range of sensory experiences including visual, tactile, and auditory with the purpose of inducing relaxation and restoration. Little is known about how children and adolescents experience this form of sensory stimulation, particularly those in complex continuing care who may have limited verbal and mobility capacity.

This pilot study examined autonomic physiological responses and observational data on five children and adolescents in complex continuing care within a large rehabilitation hospital. Responses to Snoezelen and watching television were compared against baseline data collected during pre-intervention phases.

Using a single-subject design, this preliminary study found that individual participant responses varied considerably. Four of the five participants exhibited significant changes between sessions on one or two distinct physiological measures. The authors call on additional studies that apply unique and multiple methods capable of accessing the preferences of children and adolescent in rehabilitative care.

As an outcome, contributions to evidence-based practice can be made while supporting children's participation rights in health care decision making.