Managing stress among healthcare professionals: insights from the Snoezelen approach

Healthcare professionals working in medico-social institutions encounter significant physical and psychological challenges that can compromise their overall well-being. This study aims to investigate the impact of interventions based on the Snoezelen approach in mitigating psychosocial risks, particularly stress.

A qualitative exploratory pilot study was employed, utilizing non-directive interviews with 66 healthcare professionals. The study aimed to gather in-depth insights into participants' subjective experiences and perceptions of Snoezelen-based interventions.

Participants reported that Snoezelen environments fostered relaxation, emotional regulation, and a sense of personal renewal. Key themes included the creation of a calming sensory atmosphere, facilitation of emotional release, reduction of inner tension and strengthened interpersonal connections. These experiences collectively contributed to improved stress management and workplace well-being.

As the data are based on self-reported experiences from a specific group, generalizability may be limited. Future research could investigate the long-term effects and broader applications across diverse healthcare contexts.

The findings suggest that incorporating Snoezelen spaces or similar interventions into medico-social institutions could serve as a valuable strategy for reducing stress and providing professional support.

Enhancing the well-being of healthcare workers through sensory-based approaches can lead to improved service quality, benefiting both staff and users of medical and social institutions.

This study offers original empirical data on the use of Snoezelen interventions among healthcare professionals, an area that has received limited attention. It contributes to the literature by emphasizing the value of sensory-based, non-directive approaches to promote professional well-being.