Expanded Service
Sensory-friendly environment for patients with ASD Needing urgent medical care can be a stressful situation for anyone. For those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities, visiting a crowded Emergency Department (ED) waiting room can easily cause sensory overload, making it difficult for these patients to function. To better accommodate them and their caregivers, Bayhealth Emergency and Trauma centers at both Kent and Sussex campuses and Bayhealth Emergency Center, Smyrna have created sensory rooms.
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Each room is equipped with sensory-friendly items including dim lighting, a calming LED light projector, weighted vests, noise-canceling headphones, a tablet with special communication applications, a robotic seal, and social stories — booklets to explain common procedures using imagery and simple language. They’ve also added new tools and staff training to reduce the obstacles faced by patients with ASD and their caregivers.
on behalf of people with special needs and first suggested the idea. The Patient Experience Champion Team and the EDs teamed up to form a steering committee of subject matter experts, and a focus group comprising parents of people with ASD, to guide a process to make it a reality. “To avoid families having to leave without being taken care of, or having to drive further for treatment, we can now offer this room,” said Sheets.
ED Nurse Derek Sheets, RN, has a passion for working with and
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