Helping with the pressures of the past: service-user perspectives of the sensory approaches within the National High Secure Healthcare Service for Women
ISSN: 1361-9322
Article publication date: 2 September 2021
Issue publication date: 1 February 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore service-user perspectives of sensory approaches introduced and promoted by the trauma and self-injury service within the National High Secure Healthcare Service for Women (NHSHSW) at Rampton Hospital.
Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional descriptive study used a semi-structured questionnaire, which was devised for this evaluation and included both open and closed questions. The data collected were then analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Findings
The paper evaluates the current use of sensory approaches within the NHSHSW. Sensory approaches were widely used across the service, with essential oils being the most commonly used sensory approach. The use of sensory approaches can be understood according to the following three themes: independence, accessibility and self-regulation. The self-regulation theme contained three sub-themes as follows: safety-seeking, relaxation and reducing distress. The evaluation also highlighted barriers to using sensory approaches and sought service-user feedback as to how these may be overcome.
Practical implications
Participants’ feedback informed changes to practice, such as introducing sensory approaches to service-users earlier in their care pathway and increasing the accessibility of sensory items. These approaches may be of relevance to service provision in other forensic or inpatient settings.
Originality/value
This paper offers a unique contribution to the current literature with its focus on using sensory approaches to ameliorate trauma symptoms, in the context of a forensic setting.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Liz Wright (25 August 2017) from Nottinghamshire Health-care NHS Foundation Trust, Library and Knowledge Services.
Citation
Wilkinson, D. and Beryl, R. (2022), "Helping with the pressures of the past: service-user perspectives of the sensory approaches within the National High Secure Healthcare Service for Women", Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 18-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-12-2020-0091
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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