Date: January 29, 2020
Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm Pacific Time
Location: Webinar
Topic: Evidence Based Design, an alternative approach to the sensory room
Presenter: Michelle Ferguson is an OT (UBC '99) with a passion for mental health and substance use. For the past 20 years, she has worked in both the private and public health sectors. She enjoys reviewing research studies for proven and emerging evidence-based approaches from various disciplines to integrate into practice. Her goal is to provide clients with an array of interventions to empower them on their road to recovery.
Michelle lives in South Surrey with her husband and fellow OT, Jeff Ferguson, along with their two teenagers and two cats. She enjoys nature with kayaking in summer and skiing in winter.
Description:
Sensory modulation rooms have been provincial mandated for all inpatient and tertiary units for the purpose to reduce seclusions and restraints. However, the research on sensory rooms’ ability to reduce seclusion and restraints is mixed. The results of robust studies show no change or even an increase in seclusion and restraints rates. Champagne’s 2004 study, which reported a 54% reduction in seclusion and restraints, has come under scrutiny; the study failed to show the methodology as to how it reached that percentage.
In the past 25 years, nature has gained increased scientific recognition for its health benefits. Overwhelming research shows nature’s ability to automatically elicit stress-reducing responses both psychologically and physiologically. This body of research has formed the foundation to Evidence Based Design (EBD) or Biophilia Design. Incorporating specific elements of nature while eliminating known environmental stressors is demonstrating to be the optimal healing environment.
The EBD approach has demonstrated effectiveness in the reduction of seclusion and restraints rates on inpatient psychiatric units.
The premise of EBD, that specific elements of nature introduced into the environment can calm, reduce stress levels, and boost mood, has wide applications. For us as occupational therapists, we can use this knowledge to adapt our clients’ environments to reduce stress/anxiety levels, be it the home, school, work, or even a car. Nature has this effect on humans, regardless of race, gender, age, culture or mental state. Anyone can benefit.
Learning Intentions: