Blogs Index

Featured
Low scent, fragrances in Mental Health Unit Design
batch 2, scent, mental health unit
Low scent, fragrances in Mental Health Unit Design
batch 2, scent, mental health unit
batch 2, scent, mental health unit
Therapy rooms and waiting rooms: designing for sensory needs
Sensory Spaces, Sensory Modulation, office, psychology, autism, mental health, Universal Design, batch 2
Therapy rooms and waiting rooms: designing for sensory needs
Sensory Spaces, Sensory Modulation, office, psychology, autism, mental health, Universal Design, batch 2
Sensory Spaces, Sensory Modulation, office, psychology, autism, mental health, Universal Design, batch 2
Sensory Kits , Trauma Informed Practice and NDIS
batch 2, ndis, trauma
Sensory Kits , Trauma Informed Practice and NDIS
batch 2, ndis, trauma
batch 2, ndis, trauma
Auditory Processing Needs  in Mental Health Unit Design
batch 2, auditory
Auditory Processing Needs  in Mental Health Unit Design
batch 2, auditory
batch 2, auditory
Sensory Modulation to reduce restrictive practice Part 2: Policy Context
batch 2, restrictive
Sensory Modulation to reduce restrictive practice Part 2: Policy Context
batch 2, restrictive
batch 2, restrictive
Sensory Modulation to reduce restrictive practice Part 1: Evidence base
batch 2, restrictive
Sensory Modulation to reduce restrictive practice Part 1: Evidence base
batch 2, restrictive
batch 2, restrictive
A Sensory Lens to Explain Sundowning
Sensory modulation, Aged Care, sundowning, Older, Behaviour, batch 2
A Sensory Lens to Explain Sundowning
Sensory modulation, Aged Care, sundowning, Older, Behaviour, batch 2
Sensory modulation, Aged Care, sundowning, Older, Behaviour, batch 2
Acute Care Team Legend Rachel Woolcock using cooling down sensory modulation options.
Sensory, Mental Health, Emergency, Cooling, Sensory modulation, batch 2
Acute Care Team Legend Rachel Woolcock using cooling down sensory modulation options.
Sensory, Mental Health, Emergency, Cooling, Sensory modulation, batch 2
Sensory, Mental Health, Emergency, Cooling, Sensory modulation, batch 2
Factors Influencing Occupational Performance
Occupational Therapy, Pandemic, ADL, Sensory, Mental Health, batch 2
Factors Influencing Occupational Performance
Occupational Therapy, Pandemic, ADL, Sensory, Mental Health, batch 2
Occupational Therapy, Pandemic, ADL, Sensory, Mental Health, batch 2
Sensory Reps: repeating sensory strategies until it becomes a habit
batch 2, habit, sensory reps
Sensory Reps: repeating sensory strategies until it becomes a habit
batch 2, habit, sensory reps
batch 2, habit, sensory reps
Intense Sensations to Manage Muscle Cramps and Dissociation
batch 2, intense sensations
Intense Sensations to Manage Muscle Cramps and Dissociation
batch 2, intense sensations
batch 2, intense sensations
Sensory Preferences in the Work Environment (Office)
batch 2, office
Sensory Preferences in the Work Environment (Office)
batch 2, office
batch 2, office
Weighted Blankets: Need for more evidence but definitely not no evidence
Weighted Blanket, Sensory modulation, Sleep, Anxiety, Evidence, Health, batch 2
Weighted Blankets: Need for more evidence but definitely not no evidence
Weighted Blanket, Sensory modulation, Sleep, Anxiety, Evidence, Health, batch 2
Weighted Blanket, Sensory modulation, Sleep, Anxiety, Evidence, Health, batch 2
Sensory Triggers Screen- Acute Medical Environment
Sensory, Hospital, Health, Aged, Triggers, Cognitive, Ward, Nurse, Acute Medical Environment, batch 2
Sensory Triggers Screen- Acute Medical Environment
Sensory, Hospital, Health, Aged, Triggers, Cognitive, Ward, Nurse, Acute Medical Environment, batch 2
Sensory, Hospital, Health, Aged, Triggers, Cognitive, Ward, Nurse, Acute Medical Environment, batch 2
Chilling
batch 2, Cold water
Chilling
batch 2, Cold water
batch 2, Cold water
Bring back the paper bag for Panic involving hyperventilation
batch 2, Anxiety
Bring back the paper bag for Panic involving hyperventilation
batch 2, Anxiety
batch 2, Anxiety
Teachers: Keeping calm in the classroom
batch 2
Teachers: Keeping calm in the classroom
batch 2
batch 2
How do you do Sensory Modulation on an Impatient Mental Health Unit without a Sensory Room?
Sensory Room, Sensory Spaces, Sensory modulation, Workshops, Nurses, batch 2
How do you do Sensory Modulation on an Impatient Mental Health Unit without a Sensory Room?
Sensory Room, Sensory Spaces, Sensory modulation, Workshops, Nurses, batch 2
Sensory Room, Sensory Spaces, Sensory modulation, Workshops, Nurses, batch 2
Using your senses for self-care
self care, teachers, sensory modulation, well being, batch 2
Using your senses for self-care
self care, teachers, sensory modulation, well being, batch 2
self care, teachers, sensory modulation, well being, batch 2
Featured
Sniff research in Autism
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Sniff research in Autism
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Designing a mental health unit with sensory zones
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
Designing a mental health unit with sensory zones
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
A Sensory Explanation and Solution to Emotional Eating
Batch 1, eating
Batch 1, eating
A Sensory Explanation and Solution to Emotional Eating
Batch 1, eating
Batch 1, eating
Batch 1, eating
Batch 1, eating
Feedback on the Sensory Modulation Resource Manual from different professional groups
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
Feedback on the Sensory Modulation Resource Manual from different professional groups
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
Using Nature 'To Change How We Feel Through Using Our Senses'.
Batch 1, nature
Batch 1, nature
Using Nature 'To Change How We Feel Through Using Our Senses'.
Batch 1, nature
Batch 1, nature
Batch 1, nature
Batch 1, nature
Using Balance, Movement and Proprioceptive Input to Reduce Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Using Balance, Movement and Proprioceptive Input to Reduce Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Cool strategies to self regulate on a Mental Health Inpatient Unit
Batch 1, cooling
Batch 1, cooling
Cool strategies to self regulate on a Mental Health Inpatient Unit
Batch 1, cooling
Batch 1, cooling
Batch 1, cooling
Batch 1, cooling
Research Ideas
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
Research Ideas
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
info graphic on sensory modulation 2.png
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
AdobeStock_130266073.jpeg
Batch 1
Batch 1
Using the scent of a loved one or scent of a loved place to provide feelings of calm.
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1, Anger
Batch 1, Anger
Sensory Modulation video for anger strategies
Batch 1, Anger
Batch 1, Anger
Batch 1, Anger
Batch 1, Anger
Sensory Room or Sensational Zones?
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
Sensory Room or Sensational Zones?
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
woman with slushy73437578.jpeg
Batch 1, codeine, substances
Batch 1, codeine, substances
Coping after codeine
Batch 1, codeine, substances
Batch 1, codeine, substances
Batch 1, codeine, substances
Batch 1, codeine, substances
AdobeStock_8024408 elderley woman1.jpg
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Using Sensory Modulation so that it is Safe, Appropriate, Individualised, Meaningful (SAIM).
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Developing new leisure, interest or sports activities
Batch 1, leisure
Batch 1, leisure
Developing new leisure, interest or sports activities
Batch 1, leisure
Batch 1, leisure
Batch 1, leisure
Batch 1, leisure
Woman hugging cushion
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Reducing Seclusion and Restraint though using Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Dollarphotoclub_94272715.jpg
Batch 1, Cold water
Batch 1, Cold water
Using cold to calm
Batch 1, Cold water
Batch 1, Cold water
Batch 1, Cold water
Batch 1, Cold water
Co-regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Co-regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Batch 1
Batch 1
Sensory Processing or a Medical Issue?
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1
Dementia and Sensory Interventions
Batch 1, Dementia
Batch 1, Dementia
Dementia and Sensory Interventions
Batch 1, Dementia
Batch 1, Dementia
Batch 1, Dementia
Batch 1, Dementia

Misophonia – more than just dislike of sounds and how OTs can help

Most people can relate to the experience of certain noises or sensations as being really unpleasant. For example, the thought of nails scratching down a blackboard can make the hairs on your arms to stand up, your teeth feel ‘on edge’ and the strong impulse to quickly cover your ears to stop the noise!  

The term “misophonia” (hatred of sound) was first used in the early 2000’s to characterise the experience of an extreme emotional and physical response to certain ordinary, often repetitive, day to day sensory input. It is reported to occur in up to 20% of the population and equally in men and women. The input that evokes the most intense responses tends to be human created orofacial noises like breathing, swallowing, chewing, sniffing, throat clearing and lip smacking. Noises such as tapping and pen clicking have also been reported to be problematic. For people with misophonia, these experiences can evoke intense responses that may not seem in keeping with the circumstance such as disgust, irritation, anxiety, distress, anger and an overwhelming desire to remove themselves or remove the input from their environment.

Rather than misophonia being a hearing problem, it is now proposed to stem from attentional or emotional processing issues later in the brain’s auditory system. In examining brain activity while listening to a variety of sounds (including neutral, unpleasant and known misophonia triggers) Kumar et al (2017) found the following:

·         the misophonia group rated the trigger sounds as more distressing than the other sounds.

·         the research control group rated trigger and unpleasant sounds as similarly annoying.

Read more

Blogs Index

Featured
Low scent, fragrances in Mental Health Unit Design
batch 2, scent, mental health unit
Low scent, fragrances in Mental Health Unit Design
batch 2, scent, mental health unit
batch 2, scent, mental health unit
Therapy rooms and waiting rooms: designing for sensory needs
Sensory Spaces, Sensory Modulation, office, psychology, autism, mental health, Universal Design, batch 2
Therapy rooms and waiting rooms: designing for sensory needs
Sensory Spaces, Sensory Modulation, office, psychology, autism, mental health, Universal Design, batch 2
Sensory Spaces, Sensory Modulation, office, psychology, autism, mental health, Universal Design, batch 2
Sensory Kits , Trauma Informed Practice and NDIS
batch 2, ndis, trauma
Sensory Kits , Trauma Informed Practice and NDIS
batch 2, ndis, trauma
batch 2, ndis, trauma
Auditory Processing Needs  in Mental Health Unit Design
batch 2, auditory
Auditory Processing Needs  in Mental Health Unit Design
batch 2, auditory
batch 2, auditory
Sensory Modulation to reduce restrictive practice Part 2: Policy Context
batch 2, restrictive
Sensory Modulation to reduce restrictive practice Part 2: Policy Context
batch 2, restrictive
batch 2, restrictive
Sensory Modulation to reduce restrictive practice Part 1: Evidence base
batch 2, restrictive
Sensory Modulation to reduce restrictive practice Part 1: Evidence base
batch 2, restrictive
batch 2, restrictive
A Sensory Lens to Explain Sundowning
Sensory modulation, Aged Care, sundowning, Older, Behaviour, batch 2
A Sensory Lens to Explain Sundowning
Sensory modulation, Aged Care, sundowning, Older, Behaviour, batch 2
Sensory modulation, Aged Care, sundowning, Older, Behaviour, batch 2
Acute Care Team Legend Rachel Woolcock using cooling down sensory modulation options.
Sensory, Mental Health, Emergency, Cooling, Sensory modulation, batch 2
Acute Care Team Legend Rachel Woolcock using cooling down sensory modulation options.
Sensory, Mental Health, Emergency, Cooling, Sensory modulation, batch 2
Sensory, Mental Health, Emergency, Cooling, Sensory modulation, batch 2
Factors Influencing Occupational Performance
Occupational Therapy, Pandemic, ADL, Sensory, Mental Health, batch 2
Factors Influencing Occupational Performance
Occupational Therapy, Pandemic, ADL, Sensory, Mental Health, batch 2
Occupational Therapy, Pandemic, ADL, Sensory, Mental Health, batch 2
Sensory Reps: repeating sensory strategies until it becomes a habit
batch 2, habit, sensory reps
Sensory Reps: repeating sensory strategies until it becomes a habit
batch 2, habit, sensory reps
batch 2, habit, sensory reps
Intense Sensations to Manage Muscle Cramps and Dissociation
batch 2, intense sensations
Intense Sensations to Manage Muscle Cramps and Dissociation
batch 2, intense sensations
batch 2, intense sensations
Sensory Preferences in the Work Environment (Office)
batch 2, office
Sensory Preferences in the Work Environment (Office)
batch 2, office
batch 2, office
Weighted Blankets: Need for more evidence but definitely not no evidence
Weighted Blanket, Sensory modulation, Sleep, Anxiety, Evidence, Health, batch 2
Weighted Blankets: Need for more evidence but definitely not no evidence
Weighted Blanket, Sensory modulation, Sleep, Anxiety, Evidence, Health, batch 2
Weighted Blanket, Sensory modulation, Sleep, Anxiety, Evidence, Health, batch 2
Sensory Triggers Screen- Acute Medical Environment
Sensory, Hospital, Health, Aged, Triggers, Cognitive, Ward, Nurse, Acute Medical Environment, batch 2
Sensory Triggers Screen- Acute Medical Environment
Sensory, Hospital, Health, Aged, Triggers, Cognitive, Ward, Nurse, Acute Medical Environment, batch 2
Sensory, Hospital, Health, Aged, Triggers, Cognitive, Ward, Nurse, Acute Medical Environment, batch 2
Chilling
batch 2, Cold water
Chilling
batch 2, Cold water
batch 2, Cold water
Bring back the paper bag for Panic involving hyperventilation
batch 2, Anxiety
Bring back the paper bag for Panic involving hyperventilation
batch 2, Anxiety
batch 2, Anxiety
Teachers: Keeping calm in the classroom
batch 2
Teachers: Keeping calm in the classroom
batch 2
batch 2
How do you do Sensory Modulation on an Impatient Mental Health Unit without a Sensory Room?
Sensory Room, Sensory Spaces, Sensory modulation, Workshops, Nurses, batch 2
How do you do Sensory Modulation on an Impatient Mental Health Unit without a Sensory Room?
Sensory Room, Sensory Spaces, Sensory modulation, Workshops, Nurses, batch 2
Sensory Room, Sensory Spaces, Sensory modulation, Workshops, Nurses, batch 2
Using your senses for self-care
self care, teachers, sensory modulation, well being, batch 2
Using your senses for self-care
self care, teachers, sensory modulation, well being, batch 2
self care, teachers, sensory modulation, well being, batch 2
Featured
Sniff research in Autism
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Sniff research in Autism
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Sensory, autism, Sensory Modulation Research, Batch 1
Designing a mental health unit with sensory zones
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
Designing a mental health unit with sensory zones
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
therapeutic environment, sensory rooms, sensory spaces architects, Batch 1
A Sensory Explanation and Solution to Emotional Eating
Batch 1, eating
Batch 1, eating
A Sensory Explanation and Solution to Emotional Eating
Batch 1, eating
Batch 1, eating
Batch 1, eating
Batch 1, eating
Feedback on the Sensory Modulation Resource Manual from different professional groups
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
Feedback on the Sensory Modulation Resource Manual from different professional groups
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
sensory rooms, reducing seclusion, sensory to focus, sensory spaces architects, sensory modulation, strategies for mental health, Batch 1
Using Nature 'To Change How We Feel Through Using Our Senses'.
Batch 1, nature
Batch 1, nature
Using Nature 'To Change How We Feel Through Using Our Senses'.
Batch 1, nature
Batch 1, nature
Batch 1, nature
Batch 1, nature
Using Balance, Movement and Proprioceptive Input to Reduce Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Using Balance, Movement and Proprioceptive Input to Reduce Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Batch 1, Anxiety
Cool strategies to self regulate on a Mental Health Inpatient Unit
Batch 1, cooling
Batch 1, cooling
Cool strategies to self regulate on a Mental Health Inpatient Unit
Batch 1, cooling
Batch 1, cooling
Batch 1, cooling
Batch 1, cooling
Research Ideas
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
Research Ideas
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
Sensory Modulation, Sensory Modulation Research, Anxiety, Anorexia Nervosa, Batch 1
info graphic on sensory modulation 2.png
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, Sensory Modulation
AdobeStock_130266073.jpeg
Batch 1
Batch 1
Using the scent of a loved one or scent of a loved place to provide feelings of calm.
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1, Anger
Batch 1, Anger
Sensory Modulation video for anger strategies
Batch 1, Anger
Batch 1, Anger
Batch 1, Anger
Batch 1, Anger
Sensory Room or Sensational Zones?
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
Sensory Room or Sensational Zones?
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
sensory room, sensory spaces, sensory zones, Batch 1
woman with slushy73437578.jpeg
Batch 1, codeine, substances
Batch 1, codeine, substances
Coping after codeine
Batch 1, codeine, substances
Batch 1, codeine, substances
Batch 1, codeine, substances
Batch 1, codeine, substances
AdobeStock_8024408 elderley woman1.jpg
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Using Sensory Modulation so that it is Safe, Appropriate, Individualised, Meaningful (SAIM).
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Batch 1, safe, appropriate, meaningul
Developing new leisure, interest or sports activities
Batch 1, leisure
Batch 1, leisure
Developing new leisure, interest or sports activities
Batch 1, leisure
Batch 1, leisure
Batch 1, leisure
Batch 1, leisure
Woman hugging cushion
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Reducing Seclusion and Restraint though using Sensory Modulation
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Batch 1, reducing seclusion
Dollarphotoclub_94272715.jpg
Batch 1, Cold water
Batch 1, Cold water
Using cold to calm
Batch 1, Cold water
Batch 1, Cold water
Batch 1, Cold water
Batch 1, Cold water
Co-regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Co-regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Batch 1, Co regulation
Batch 1
Batch 1
Sensory Processing or a Medical Issue?
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1
Dementia and Sensory Interventions
Batch 1, Dementia
Batch 1, Dementia
Dementia and Sensory Interventions
Batch 1, Dementia
Batch 1, Dementia
Batch 1, Dementia
Batch 1, Dementia

Using alternatives to torch light monitoring in Mental Health Unit Design

This blog will outline some of the challenges involved in using torch light to observe clients in mental health units at night and also provide some alternative options. Part of routine mental health care on mental health units is regular observations of people while they are sleeping/lying in bed. These routine observations are undertaken due to their perceived benefit in ensuring safety and wellbeing and to reduce the risk of suicide or severe harm. Nursing staff may need to complete observations up to 4 times per hour overnight and torch light is frequently used.

Read more

Sensory Modulation to reduce restrictive practice Part 2: Policy Context

Currently, NDIS providers are struggling to reduce the use of restrictive practices in service delivery. A report by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission showed that there were more than a one million incidents of unauthorised restraints in 2020 – 2021, a 240% increase from the previous 12 months. The restraints included use of sedation, strapping down a person or depriving them of their personal belongings. (Henriques-Gomes, 2021 report of NDIS quality and safeguards commission)

As described in Part 1 of this blog series, Sensory Modulation is an intervention shown to be effective for reducing restrictive practice. Sensory Modulation can be defined as “using your senses to change the way you feel” (O’ Sullivan, Fitzgibbon 2017). Sensory Modulation interventions involve:

  • identifying problematic, or overwhelming sensory stimuli and developing strategies to reduce the input or promote self-regulation, with the goal of supporting the individual to continue to be able to engage in occupations.

  • Identifying calming and soothing sensory strategies to prevent the use of and/or be an alternatives to restrictive practices.

Read more