Date of Award

Summer 6-16-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (MMSc)

First Advisor

Ebony Dix, MD

Abstract

Patients with schizophrenia may experience psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, which can lead to harmful behaviors that require physical restraint and seclusion. On acute psychiatric units, these interventions are associated with negative outcomes such as physical injury, psychological trauma, and prolonged hospitalization. Multi-sensory stimulation environments (MSSE) have emerged as a potential alternative in several settings, offering a safe and calming environment that engages patients' senses and reduces agitation. These rooms have demonstrated efficacy for reducing agitation in older patients with dementia in long-term care. Efficacy in the management of agitation in patients with schizophrenia in acute settings remain understudied. This study aims to assess the impact of an open model multi-sensory room on hours of physical restraint and seclusion in patients with schizophrenia on an inpatient geriatric psychiatric unit. This pre-post design will assess the clinical value of a sensory-informed approach with a multisensory room.

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