Service evaluation of mutli-sensory input in people with LD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A service evaluation of a multi-sensory environment and programme of activities for a group of people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours.
IRAS ID
126343
Contact name
David Felce
Contact email
Research summary
The aim of this project is to carry out a service evaluation of a programme of individualised sensory stimulation through activities and the general environment in a bungalow housing 8 people with severe to profound learning disabilities and challenging behaviours. My objective is, rather than just having a specific room for multi-sensory stimulation (known as Snoezelen or multi-sensory rooms), to have this readily available in the whole living environment so that residents can seek out stimulation at any time indoors: in their bedrooms, communal living areas and even the corridors; or outside in the garden. I am hoping that this will encourage generalisation and exploration of any environment. In addition, in-house activities will be informed by the participants’ individual sensory needs in order to improve engagement; something that staff currently find difficult. I will be looking at any changes in type and frequency of challenging behaviours as well as changes in engagement in activities and with the general environment, staff and each other.
In order to evaluate this approach I will carry out assessments with key workers to gain an understating of individual sensory profiles (likes, dislikes and needs) and also type and frequency of occurrence of any behaviours that are self-stimulatory, self-injurious or aggressive. This will done before the multi-sensory programme begins. I will also look at incident report forms for 3 months prior to beginning and carry out some direct observations in order to get a full understanding of the behaviours and the current levels of engagement in activities, with staff and with each other. After 6 months of the intervention, I will repeat behaviour assessments and observations and look at the latest 3 months of incident reports to see if there have been any changes during the period of multi-sensory input.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
13/IEC08/0022
Date of REC Opinion
5 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion