Improving the Use of Sensory Approaches in an Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit Using a Co-Designed Multifaceted...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Nursing
• Healthcare Implementation Science
• Psychiatric Care Improvement

Background:

• Therapeutic benefits of sensory approaches are established, yet implementation in acute mental health settings remains under-researched.
• Implementation frameworks show promise for evidence-based practices in healthcare but lack evidence in acute mental health.
• Need for effective strategies to integrate sensory approaches into acute psychiatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effect of a co-designed, theory-informed implementation strategy on sensory approach use and seclusion/restraint rates.
• To evaluate the impact of Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) and Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) in an acute mental health ward.
• To enhance staff knowledge, confidence, and practice regarding sensory interventions.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post comparison design over 11 months in one acute mental health ward.
• Utilized Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) and Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) for strategy development.
• Included co-designed interventions: sensory materials, education, prompts, modeling, audit, feedback, coalition, and facilitation.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in staff knowledge and confidence in using sensory approaches (n=19 matched pairs).
• Increased use of sensory kits, weighted modalities, and sensory assessment/plans post-intervention.
• Reduced use of seclusion and restraint noted, though not explicitly detailed in matched pairs.

Conclusions:

• A co-designed, theory-informed implementation strategy effectively enhanced the use of sensory approaches in acute mental health care.
• The study demonstrates the successful application of IKT and BCW frameworks in this setting.
• Sustaining these improvements requires ongoing training, funding, resources, staffing, and collegial support.