Sensory Hour: A Calming Space for Recovery in Inpatient Mental Health Settings
Tracks
Evidence-based practice (Knowledge Translation)
Mental health and wellbeing (General)
Partnering with consumers in practice and research (e.g., translational research, consumer co-design) (Knowledge Translation)
Quality improvement projects, including student-driven programs (Knowledge Translation)
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| 1:40 PM - 2:05 PM |
| Great Hall 1 & 2 |
Speaker
Miss Katrina Vosper
Grade 2 Occupational Therapist
Bendigo Health
Sensory Hour: A Calming Space for Recovery in Inpatient Mental Health Settings
Presentation summary
Introduction
Restrictive practices including restraint (physical chemical, mechanical) and seclusion remain common in inpatient mental health settings. Although sensory modulation can reduce distress and enhance safety, these approaches are often underused. This project trialled a flexible pop-up sensory room and therapeutic group (“Sensory Hour”) to support consumers to develop personalised emotional-regulation strategies and contribute to the state-wide goal of reducing restrictive practices by 2030.
Objective
To explore how Occupational Therapists (OTs) can apply sensory-based approaches to support consumers to develop personalised strategies to enhance emotional regulation and mood, increase OT confidence, reduce reliance on restrictive practice and foster a calmer, recovery-focused ward environment.
Methods/implementation
A pilot project was conducted in an adult acute inpatient unit to explore the feasibility of sensory modulation as routine practice. OT’s reviewed evidence, analysed restraint and seclusion data, and co-designed a pop-up sensory space and therapeutic group with calming/alerting tools to support emotional regulation. Weekly Sensory Hour sessions were facilitated by trained OTs over six months. Consumer attendance, self-rated mood, and staff confidence in sensory-based approaches were captured through brief surveys and informal logs.
Outcomes/Discussion
Across 26 sessions, 179 consumers participated, with 178/179 reporting improved mood. OT’s described increased confidence and skill in applying and incorporating sensory modulation into routine practice. Feedback indicated the pop-up format was flexible and contributed to a calmer ward environment.
Conclusion
Sensory Hour illustrates how brief, sensory interventions can strengthen self-management, improve mood, enhance OT capability, increase confidence and applied skills, supporting recovery-oriented care and reducing reliance on restrictive practices.
Restrictive practices including restraint (physical chemical, mechanical) and seclusion remain common in inpatient mental health settings. Although sensory modulation can reduce distress and enhance safety, these approaches are often underused. This project trialled a flexible pop-up sensory room and therapeutic group (“Sensory Hour”) to support consumers to develop personalised emotional-regulation strategies and contribute to the state-wide goal of reducing restrictive practices by 2030.
Objective
To explore how Occupational Therapists (OTs) can apply sensory-based approaches to support consumers to develop personalised strategies to enhance emotional regulation and mood, increase OT confidence, reduce reliance on restrictive practice and foster a calmer, recovery-focused ward environment.
Methods/implementation
A pilot project was conducted in an adult acute inpatient unit to explore the feasibility of sensory modulation as routine practice. OT’s reviewed evidence, analysed restraint and seclusion data, and co-designed a pop-up sensory space and therapeutic group with calming/alerting tools to support emotional regulation. Weekly Sensory Hour sessions were facilitated by trained OTs over six months. Consumer attendance, self-rated mood, and staff confidence in sensory-based approaches were captured through brief surveys and informal logs.
Outcomes/Discussion
Across 26 sessions, 179 consumers participated, with 178/179 reporting improved mood. OT’s described increased confidence and skill in applying and incorporating sensory modulation into routine practice. Feedback indicated the pop-up format was flexible and contributed to a calmer ward environment.
Conclusion
Sensory Hour illustrates how brief, sensory interventions can strengthen self-management, improve mood, enhance OT capability, increase confidence and applied skills, supporting recovery-oriented care and reducing reliance on restrictive practices.
Biography
Katrina is an Occupational Therapist at Bendigo Health, practising in an adult acute inpatient mental health unit. A LaTrobe graduate, she holds masters degrees in Occupational Therapy and Mental Health Practice. She has diverse inpatient and community-residential mental health experience and is researching implementation of sensory modulation in inpatient settings.
