Experience and qualitative evaluation of two soothing prototypes in psychiatry

The need for alternatives to restraint and seclusion in psychiatry is widely recognized. To this end, a collaborative research project between patients, caregivers and designers resulted in the production of two containing prototypes (a covering armchair and a sensory totem). The aim of the research project was to understand whether these prototypes offered a calming alternative and could limit the need for restraint.

Semi-structured interviews were carried out as well as participant observations, and feedback forms were given to participants. Qualitative data analysis was integral and inductive, initially thematic and then oriented according to the "type of ward" variable.

The prototypes had beneficial effects on calming and empowering patients; they supported the patient-staff relationship and contributed to team reflexivity. Rather than pathologies, the prototypes responded to appeasement needs and situations of agitation or anxiety. For closed wards, the prototypes were therapeutic and supported patient autonomy in crisis situations. For open wards, they were integrated into the activities offered but needed to be accompanied by caregivers to ensure patient safety.

The results prompted discussion on three points: 1) research methods in psychiatry and the need to integrate users in research design; 2) conceptions of autonomy in psychiatric care; 3) the place of sensory rooms and soothing techniques in reducing the use of restraint and seclusion.