Improving the Use of Sensory Approaches in an Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit Using a Co‐Designed Multifaceted Implementation Strategy

Despite the therapeutic benefits of sensory approaches being well documented, little research has focused on improving their implementation in acute mental health units. The use of implementation frameworks to improve the use of evidence-based practices has shown promising results in healthcare; however, there is little evidence for their use in acute mental health units. A pre-post comparison design was used to determine the effect of an 11-month co-designed theory-informed multifaceted implementation strategy on the use of sensory approaches and the use of seclusion/restraint in one acute mental health ward. This study was guided by Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) and informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) approach. Implementation strategies were co-designed and included provision of sensory materials/resources; education/training; prompts/reminders; modelling; audit and feedback; workplace coalition; and facilitation. Data were collected through pre- and post-project questionnaires (pre- n = 37, post- n = 40) and routine clinical data. Data were analysed using SPSS and thematic analysis. Data for matched pairs (n = 19) revealed significant improvements between pre- and post-perceived levels of knowledge and confidence in using sensory approaches. Significant increases were found in the use of sensory kits, weighted modalities and sensory assessment/plans. Post participants' recommendations to sustain the use of sensory approaches in their unit included ongoing training; funding; maintenance and supply of sensory equipment; increased staffing; and support from colleagues. This is the first study to use the IKT and BCW to design, facilitate and evaluate a co-designed, theory-informed implementation strategy to improve the use of sensory approaches in an acute mental health unit.