An alternative intervention called sensory modulation, which involves using a sensory room, is discussed in this Medscape Medical News article featuring two Nonviolent Crisis Intervention^® Certified Instructors, Janice Adam, RN-BC, and Timothy Meeks, BSN, RN-BC [requires log in to free account].

"Maintaining a safe milieu on an inpatient psychiatric unit is an important aspect of delivering safe care. Seclusion and restraint should be considered a last resort. An alternative intervention using a sensory room, called sensory modulation, is available.

"Sensory Room: Reducing Violent Behavior and a Viable Alternative to Seclusion and Restraints" was featured as a podium presentation at the American Psychiatric Nurses' Association (APNA) 25th Annual Conference, held October 19 to 22 in Anaheim, California.

"To find out how sensory modulation is used as an intervention for aggressive patient behavior on an inpatient psychiatric unit, Medscape Medical News interviewed Janice Adam, RN-BC, and Timothy Meeks, BSN, RN-BC. Ms. Adam is nurse manager of a psychiatric intensive care unit (ICU) and medical-surgical units at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. She has worked in inpatient psychiatry for more than 30 years, has been involved in research on seclusion and restraints and staff safety, and has developed staff education around these issues.

"Mr. Meeks has been a nurse on Harborview's psychiatric ICU for 4 years, and currently serves as assistant nurse manager, education lead. In addition to supervising staff and providing direct patient care, he teaches nonviolent crisis intervention to hospital staff."

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