Enhancing care through sensory modulation

Aim

To deliver a safe, scalable, and engaging sensory intervention that supports therapeutic engagement, enhances patient self-regulation, and reduces the need for seclusion in acute mental health settings.

Outcomes

Four Sensory Modulation Rooms were delivered at CMHU - three for patients and one for staff wellbeing.

• Multisensory experience at the touch of a button using light, sound, scent, and interactive visuals.
• Co-designed with clinicians, consumers, and specialists in design and technology.
• Modular digital content matched to therapeutic goals and controlled via a secure, clinician-friendly interface.
• It allows patients to self-soothe, reduce distress, or re-energise using personalised sensory experiences. As one consumer shared, "The room gave me back some control. I didn't need meds or seclusion, just a moment to breathe and reset."
• $500K investment within a broader $70M redevelopment project — with a scalable model for other Queensland Health sites

Background

Restrictive practices such as seclusion and restraint are increasingly viewed as ineffective, distressing, and contrary to recovery-oriented mental health care. National guidelines and consumer feedback highlight the need for alternatives prioritising safety, dignity, and therapeutic engagement.

Sensory modulation is one such alternative. It involves using sensory input, - such as light, sound, scent, touch, and movement - to help individuals regulate emotions, reduce agitation, and regain a sense of control. Research shows that sensory modulation can reduce restrictive interventions when delivered effectively and tailored to individual needs.

The sensory room was underutilised in the previous Cairns Mental Health Unit due to limited functionality, safety concerns, and lack of therapeutic content. The space offered minimal tools (e.g., a looping silent video) and required staff initiation, limiting patient autonomy. Staff also reported barriers such as infection control risks, equipment damage, and lack of confidence in using the space in high-risk situations.

With the redevelopment of the CMHIS, the project team identified an opportunity to reimagine the Sensory Modulation Room (SMR) as a safe, therapeutic space integrated into everyday care. A human-centred design approach was adopted to explore how the physical environment, technology, and therapeutic content could work together to support patient self-regulation and reduce seclusion.
Through research, stakeholder engagement, and design thinking, the project aimed to deliver SMRs that offer meaningful, multisensory experiences - supporting both responsive crisis care and proactive therapeutic use within the new Cairns Mental Health Inpatient Services.

Discussion

The new Cairns Mental Health Unit officially opened on 5th February 2025, and early signs show encouraging progress in reducing restrictive practices. While it's too soon to attribute the outcomes solely to the Sensory Modulation Rooms (SMRs), the downward trend in seclusion incidents suggests a positive shift:

• Seclusion events have notably decreased since opening:
  o January (pre-opening): 38 incidents
  o February (opening month): 14 incidents (PICU sensory room was the last to be commissioned in late Feb 2025)
  o March: Four incidents (all 3 three patient SMR's operational)
• This reduction likely reflects a combination of:
  o The new, purpose-built therapeutic environment
  o Updated models of care and staff training
  o The availability of responsive, sensory-based interventions via the SMRs
• The introduction of SMRs has provided a valuable therapeutic option:
  o Clinicians now have a timely, low-barrier tool to manage distress and agitation.
  o The rooms are safe, calming spaces that support early intervention before escalation.
  o Patients experience greater autonomy and choice using sensory content to self-regulate.
• The development process reinforced the value of human-centred design:
  o Co-design workshops ensured that rooms were clinically helpful and emotionally supportive.
  o Engagement with consumers and staff helped tailor the environment to meet real-world needs.
  o Even in its early phase, the SMR approach is being embraced as a practical, therapeutic alternative to seclusion.
  o Ongoing feedback will shape continued enhancements and broader adoption.
• Where Else Could This Succeed?
  Due to its modular content and minimal infrastructure requirements, the SMR model is scalable and adaptable for other Queensland mental health services.

Next Steps

1. Evaluate clinical impact over the next 12 months using seclusion data, staff feedback, and patient experience.
2. Secure additional funding to support expanded content development and staff training.

References

Sutton, D., & Nicholson, E. 2011, Sensory modulation in acute mental health wards: A qualitative study of staff and service user perspectives. Auckland, New Zealand: Te Pou o Te Whakaaro Nu https://www.tepou.co.nz/resources/sensory-modulation-in-acute-mental-health-wards-a-qualitative-study-of-staff-and-service-user-perspectives

d.school 2009 design thinking bootcamp https://web.archive.org/web/20161211065343/http://dschool.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/bootcampbootleg20091.pdf

Carolyn Fitzgibbon and Julie O'Sullivan, 2017 Sensory Modulation Brisbane blog post viewed 18th November 2021 http://sensory-modulation-brisbane.com/sensory-modulation-blog/2017/12/9/changing-how-you-feel-through-using-your-senses

Queensland Mental Health Commission 2014 Options for Reform: Moving towards a more recovery-oriented, least restrictive approach in acute mental health wards, including locked wards, viewed 2nd December 2021 https://www.qmhc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/REPORT_QMHC-Options-for-Reform_PUBLISHED.pdf