Sensory Integration Module 1 - another string to my OT bow!

Earlier this year I was very fortunate to gain funding to complete a training course in Sensory Integration - an area that I have been interested in throughout my training and career. This was such an exciting opportunity for me and in May I attended the 5 day Sensory Integration Module 1 course in Birmingham ran by the Sensory Integration Network. 

It was an intense 5 days to say the least due to the vast amount of information that we had to cover in that time and in such depth too! We covered everything from the neuron right through every sensory system and how sensory information is received and processed throughout human development across the lifespan. The first 3 days were extremely theory and powerpoint heavy so I was thankful for the times that we were able to create visual diagrams of the different pathways because I am much more of a visual learner. The last 2 days we looked at examples of different case studies and this was so helpful to apply the learned theory to practice and it started to make a lot more sense!

The course was a great opportunity for networking and I met lots of OTs most of which worked in paediatric settings. I did however meet some who worked in inpatient mental health and learning disabilities which was great to share ideas and chat about how my role is different. 

After the course ended the learning really began and I spent a lot of time revising the information I had taken away with me from the course ready for the assessment. I created a collage of the nervous system pathways and cortex on my wall so I could map this out visually and I also watched a lot of YouTube videos. Youtube is a great resource for anatomy! 

The learning and revision accumulated to over 300 hours of study and I had to complete an exam on neuroscience, 2 case studies and a reflection as well as working full time! It really was hard work but I am very proud to say that the results came and I did pass! 

This now means that I have enhanced knowledge of sensory integration theory and more in-depth knowledge of the neuroscience behind it and ultimately means that I can now assess and make suggestions for compensatory approaches to sensory processing difficulties and ultimately address occupational performance for patients who may experience problems with this using the basic concepts of sensory integration theory. I cannot however use an Ayres Sensory Integration approach and professional standards of OT state that further postgraduate training is needed for this (Levels, 2, 3 and 4) to become an advanced sensory practitioner. 

I have already started work with some patients that I currently work with and I am producing personalised sensory profile documents for each patient who display sensory processing behaviours/challenges to enable the wider team to support the individuals with their sensory processing. Below is a refection of my learning, development and how I will utilise this in my current job role.

Enhanced knowledge and professional skills:

I have enhanced my knowledge in neuroscience and the structure of the nervous system and sensory pathways. This postgraduate learning experience has been invaluable to me as I completed a masters level degree in Occupational Therapy which was primarily research based therefore, did not explore anatomy and physiology in depth and my undergraduate degree is in Fine Art and not science based. Ultimately this has given me a basic foundation to develop my knowledge of sensory integration (SI) theory and the ability to apply this to supporting patients that I work with on a daily basis. It has enabled me to develop skills that have further enhanced my OT core skills in observations, information gathering, goal setting and intervention planning as I now understand and can recognise sensory difficulties and possible causes of these. This will enable me to support patients further in an enhanced, holistic and person centred framework, which is patient led according to their needs.

This training has enhanced my professional skills as an OT in actively promoting what OT can offer as a profession and will develop my role within the nursing team even further giving me specialist skills and knowledge to utilise. It has enabled me to highlight through observation, sensory deficits within individuals' daily routines, which I can now make recommendations for and implement sensory strategies.

Changing attitudes for me and my team:

Currently, there are no SI trained practitioners and a gap within the service to support patients with sensory needs. Having the skills and knowledge to assess for sensory processing difficulties and suggest interventions for these is extremely valuable and will ultimately improve outcomes for patients. Furthermore, from a professional perspective as Ayres Sensory Integration is a theory rooted within OT, it will further enable me to promote the philosophies of OT within the nursing team and the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) ultimately changing professional attitudes and attitudes towards intervention and understanding behaviours exhibited by patients.

My team will notice the following changes and benefits:

·     The introduction of sensory assessments and screening tools and the discussion of these within patient development meetings and integration into individual care plans.

·      An introduction of sensory equipment to the environment such as; ear defenders, gym balls, bean bags, tactile sensory bins.

·      Suggestions of training sessions tailored for patients with learning disabilities introduced to current recovery college timetable and sensory themed activity groups.

·      Holistic person centred working, positive outcomes for patients and improved participation in daily living activities.

Barriers I may encounter as I implement change are:

• ·      Funding for equipment and assessment tools

• ·      Time to complete SI specific assessments and training

• ·      Willingness for staff in the MDT to learn and develop awareness of SI

• ·      Environment: secure unit, some sensory equipment may be restricted

My suggested solutions to the barriers highlighted are through training and information sharing within discussions involving the MDT and ward manager as well as individual care planning, thorough risk assessment and adapted/individualised training sessions for patients.