Experience of using a sensory room in psychiatric intensive care units
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A mixed methods study into the effectiveness of sensory rooms in reducing agitation levels on a psychiatric intensive care unit.
IRAS ID
279275
Contact name
Stephanie Platt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
The study design involves mixed methodology research encompassing analysis of quantitative data using a rating scale for agitation which is routinely collected in practice when pre and post use of the sensory room. The qualitative strand of this study will use semi-structured interviews with patients and staff to explore their experiences of using a sensory room on a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) and consider its usage as an alternative intervention to other traditional approaches offered when a person is feeling agitated, angry and distressed. Traditional methods to manage agitation include pro re nata (PRN) medication, and/or de-escalation management and intervention techniques such as conflict resolution, 1:1 time, or the use of physical interventions.
This research has been requested and encouraged by the researchers' NHS trust since implementing the sensory room on the unit 3 years ago. The educational Masters' qualification is secondary to the need to conduct this research which has been in development for a couple of years by the practitioner. Completion of the master's programme for the researcher is part of their professional development and research skill development, with the concept for this research proposal planned prior to the commencement of the MRes clinical health research course.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0115
Date of REC Opinion
1 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion