Designing for Regulation: Person-centred and Sensory-friendly Approaches to Inpatient Mental Health Environments

Synopsis

This presentation reports on a doctoral study presenting emerging findings on the role of sensory interventions in adult mental health. Sensory interventions draw on the understanding that sensory processing influences arousal, regulation, and participation, and are increasingly valued for supporting recovery, reducing distress, and promoting meaningful engagement. Yet, despite their growing use, there are significant gaps in evidence about what works, for whom, and how these approaches can be effectively implemented.

This qualitative study explores the perspectives of expert occupational therapists and sensory practitioners across diverse international contexts. The aims are to examine: (1) how sensory interventions are understood, adopted, and applied in practice; (2) the key factors that influence implementation; and (3) future recommendations for professional practice.

Following ethical approval in 2025, interviews commenced with participants representing 10 countries and a wide range of clinical, educational, and policy roles. This presentation will provide a synthesis of perspectives, highlighting convergences and divergences. Emerging themes include occupational therapy identity, theoretical uncertainty, environment as a key lever, practice challenges linked to evidence and resources, and outcomes related to participation and recovery. Participants also proposed future directions for training, policy, and service development.