Sensory Modulation Symposium
for Occupational Therapy in Mental Health
These are some of the key points made at the Symposium:
- This treatment approach is person centered. It begins with self-awareness and moves to self-care and self-regulation.
- In order to be successful, patients need to be intimately involved in every step of the treatment process.
- Treatment using sensory modalities will be carried out by the coordinated effort of all disciplines.
- Constant education of patients as well as staff is essential in order to develop an appreciation of how and why sensory strategies work.
- Occupational therapists have a key role in training others in the use of these modalities due to their educational background and familiarity with these modalities. The body of knowledge and evidence base practice guidelines regarding sensory modulation treatment comes from occupational therapy research and clinical experience.
- Occupational therapists are qualified to perform assessments necessary to recognize aspects of behavior that may be driven by sensory problems and to match appropriate sensory activities to patient cognitive levels, diagnostic concerns, sensory thresholds, receptivity to sensory input, and personal preferences; their input in treatment planning utilizing sensory modulation strategies will be crucial.
- Self-regulation (the ability to regulate arousal to meet the demands of a situation) is a complex phenomenon influenced by many factors including cognition, emotions, physical state, environment, and spiritual considerations.
- People seek the sensory input they need adaptively or maladaptively! Our job is to offer healthy sensory choices to meet these needs and to recognize and address sensory driven behaviors.
- Safety is paramount and everyone involved must be educated regarding symptoms of distress and potential problems related to patient diagnosis and sensitivities.
- When patient cognitive levels are low and the patient is unable to problem solve, generalize information, and plan for the future, care providers must be involved in plans for discharge and follow through with helpful sensory strategies.
- The use of these modalities must be integrated into the entire program so that patients can have a variety of sensory experiences in order to determine their preferences, practice the use of calming and alerting sensory input, and also to recognize when these strategies will be the most useful.
- Sensory Rooms help promote the effective use of sensory input and are designed according to many factors. What will be the main purpose of the room? Who will use it? How will safety be maintained? What space is actually available and how can it be adapted to fit the goals of the room. Does it need to be a simple and non-stimulating environment or a more complex one to stimulate the senses? Who will supervise the environment? How will equipment be cleaned and stored? Protocols for the use of the room must be developed that take into consideration factors such as these. Involving all unit disciplines can make the space more valued and more highly utilized.
- Sensory carts help make sensory supplies available when needed. In order to appreciate the best use of items staff members need proper training.
- Certain sensory modalities require additional training and certification including the use of the Wilbarger Protocol, aromatherapy, and therapeutic listening.
- QI studies and small research studies are encouraged and will help prove the efficacy of sensory modalities.
- Collaboration with nursing staff and all other mental health professionals will be needed to make this treatment approach viable and to reach the goal of reducing restraints. As Tina emphasized, "It takes a village!"