Planning for Change: Co-Designing Implementation Strategies to Improve the Use of Sensory Approaches in an Acute Psychiatric Unit
Lisa Wright, Sally Bennett, Pamela Meredith, Emmah Doig
Abstract
Implementing sensory approaches in psychiatric units has proven challenging. This multi-staged study involved qualitative interviews (n = 7) with mental health care staff in an acute psychiatric ward to identify the local factors influencing use of sensory approaches, and co-design implementation strategies with key stakeholders to improve their use. Using framework analysis, results revealed that the use of sensory approaches were hindered by: inadequate access to sensory resources/equipment; lack of time; lack of staff knowledge; and belief that sensory approaches are not effective or part of staff’s role. To address identified barriers a systematic theory-informed method was used to co-design implementation strategies to improve the use of sensory approaches.