Equity and Innovation Grantee Annette Pinto, Director of the Psychiatric Occupational Therapy (OT) Department, has made significant strides in the Dept. of Inpatient Psychiatry’s quest to address mental health and enhance patient care by introducing sensory rooms as a healing alternative for patients at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

Creating Healing Environments

Nestled in units 7B and 7C, these sensory rooms are a sanctuary for patients seeking relief from their mental health symptoms. Picture a room where soothing bubble tubes create a tranquil ambiance and night projectors cast gentle, mesmerizing lights. The tactile walls and flower wall garden invite touch, providing a sensory experience that helps ground and relax patients. Weighted blankets and animals offer comforting pressure, while DVD players and sound machines fill the room with calming sights and sounds. A rocking chair adds a rhythmic, soothing motion, enhancing the room’s therapeutic effect.

Patient-Centered Approach

The patient’s journey begins with an assessment by one of the 12 Psych. OT staff, followed by a self-assessment, during which patients reflect on their mood and why they want to use the sensory room. Once inside, they have 30 minutes to immerse themselves in the calming environment, empowering them to take control of their own healing process.

The The Psych. OT team is dedicated to making these sensory rooms a cornerstone of patient care. In addition to Ms. Pinto, the sensory room project leads, OT staff Joyce Chen and Rachel Bishop, are developing a streamlined workflow for patient access in collaboration with the unit nurses, psychiatrists, and social work staff to ensure everyone is on the same page and ready to provide the best care possible.

This initiative highlights the transformative power of the Equity and Innovation Grants. These grants enhance the hospital’s ability to explore forward-thinking solutions that prioritize equity, inclusivity, and holistic well-being. The sensory rooms at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital are not just a physical space—they represent a commitment to compassionate and supportive mental health care, setting a new standard for treatment and patient experience.