IMPLEMENTATION OF A SENSORY MODULATION ROOM ON AN ACUTE CARE PSYCHIATRIC UNIT: SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES

Abstract

Formerly, there has been a finite amount of research regarding adjunctive methods to de-escalate violent or aggressive behavior in psychiatric facilities. Health care providers had limited evidence-based interventions to placate this negative behavior, therefore leaving them three options: restraints, seclusion, or PRN medications. Further research in the past few years has proven that adjunct interventions alongside de-escalation training gives health care professionals optimal preparation for adverse events sensory modulation is any sounds, sight, touch, smells, taste, or movement to help manage one’s emotional state. Dr. Lancaster, my preceptor, conducted a quality improvement project in 2018 proving the effectiveness of sensory modulation. Dr. Lancaster’s original research project was conducted using a sensory modulation room that she implemented in the East Wing of Coastal Plains Hospital, which is in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. A self-reporting comfort room use log was implemented to assess frequency of patients in the sensory room, changes patient distress levels, and utilized as information for shift reports in addition to clinical electronic health record documentation. After collecting results from patients over an eight-week time frame, her quality improvement project yielded positive results from both the staff and patients that participated in the study. Her results continue to enforce that sensory modulation is the least restrictive practice that continuously yields positive results; therefore, it is vital that psychiatric nurses are educated on this alternative option.