A pilot study into the use of a multisensory environment (Snoezelen) within a palliative day-care setting

Patricia Schofield*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

<jats:p> Sensory environments may potentially provide an atmosphere of calm and refreshment. This small pilot study used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design and semi-structured interviews to investigate the use of the Snoezelen multisensory environment in palliative day care. Its second aim was to explore the feasibility of the RCT design in advance of a possible larger trial. The study compared Snoezelen with a normal ‘quiet room’ setting. Following screening for anxiety, 26 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to the control or experimental group. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and quality of life assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core 30 questionnaire. A significant reduction in anxiety was seen with the experimental group (P=0.01) but no changes were observed in any of the quality-of-life subscales. However, the results should be viewed with caution, as there were some differences between the groups in two of the quality-of-life subscales. Data from semi-structured interviews suggested Snoezelen may promote relaxation. It is concluded that Snoezelen is feasible for use with this patient group and recommendations are made for further research. </jats:p>
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)124-130
Number of pages0
JournalInternational Journal of Palliative Nursing
Volume9
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2003

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A pilot study into the use of a multisensory environment (Snoezelen) within a palliative day-care setting'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this