Clinical guidelines and policies worldwide call for sensory modulation approaches to be incorporated into inpatient mental health care to assist in eliminating the use of restrictive practices. Although increasing evidence shows that these approaches reduce patient distress and the need for seclusion and restraint, sensory modulation approaches have been challenging to implement in many psychiatric units. Implementation strategies can effectively support inclusion of new approaches by addressing potential barriers to change and supporting likely enabling factors. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the barriers and enablers influencing implementation of sensory modulation approaches in psychiatric inpatient units in one health region in Australia. A qualitative descriptive study design was used, with three focus groups and a total of 15 participants from nursing and allied health disciplines answering questions about the use of sensory modulation approaches. Framework analysis using the Theoretical Domains Framework and thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Overall, participants were positive about the use of sensory modulation approaches, particularly for reducing distress. Four domains (Social Influences; Belief about Consequences; Professional Role and Identify; and Environmental Context and Resources) were identified as the most salient. The key influencing factors were support from peers; beliefs about risks; belief it was part of their role; and availability of resources and materials. Numerous challenges and opportunities related to implementing sensory modulation approaches in mental health inpatient units, identified in this study, provide insights to support effective implementation of these approaches, underpinning more person‐centred, trauma‐informed, and recovery‐orientated care.

Background/aim: Australian guidelines and policies recommend the use of sensory approaches in mental health care. Nevertheless, many Australian psychiatric units report difficulty sustaining these approaches. To inform efforts to close the gap between recommendations and practice, the aim of this study was to understand the patterns of use of sensory approaches and what demographic and clinical factors influence their use, across one health region in Queensland, Australia.Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, a custom-designed questionnaire was distributed via email and in paper form to health professionals and peer support workers working in acute, secure, and community care psychiatric units across one health region. Information on demographics and the use of various sensory interventions was gathered utilising both open-ended and Likert scale questions.Results: Useable questionnaires were collected from 183 participants from various disciplines (77% nursing). The majority reported using sensory approaches with a limited number of consumers, and almost 9% never used the approach. Activity-based sensory interventions and sensory equipment were most often used, whereas sensory assessments, sensory plans, and sensory groups were least used. Sensory interventions were mainly used to reduce consumer anxiety and agitation and to assist with emotional regulation. Factors positively correlated with frequency of use for all interventions were discipline (occupational therapy); working in an acute inpatient unit; and training in sensory approaches. Age was negatively correlated with frequency of use only for weighted modalities.Conclusions: This study revealed that sensory approaches were used by most staff though with a limited proportion of consumers in psychiatric units in one large metropolitan health service. It provides insights into the factors influencing frequency of use, highlighting the importance of training in sensory approaches and access to occupational therapists. With this knowledge, we can work towards closing the gap between recommendations and the practice of sensory approaches.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a novel service for the non-offending partners (NOPs) of men who have sexually offended against children. Design/methodology/approach The paper examines the rationale for the current service and the preliminary qualitative data that reflect how NOPs experience the group innovations. Findings Interviews and previous qualitative analyses demonstrate both the positive changes that the NOP programme supports regarding child protections skills and the value that NOPs perceive in incorporating male therapists and male offenders into the process. Research limitations/implications Given these recent changes to the NOP group, and the small group sizes, the ability to examine how the NOPs perceive these innovations, the personal impact they have on change in NOPs, and more importantly, the impact on recidivism and reduction of further harm to children are yet to be fully investigated and these are central questions for the service to ensure that it offers a valid and reliable intervention programme and limits the extent to which the programme can be generalised. Further research will plug this gap. Practical implications The service offers new challenges for NOPs with the aim of making them better understand offending against children, their role in protecting children, and ultimately the protection of children in general. This may act as a model for the development of future services for these individuals. Originality/value There are few programmes aimed at providing support and intervention for an often marginalised group of individuals, the female NOPs of men who have sexually offended against children. This programme includes new approaches to working with the women providing them with new sources of support and insight.