Snoezelen snapshots (top to bottom): Waiting room with tactile toys; operatory with video screen on ceiling; providing accessible care to patients. CONTINUEDP.19 She explains that the idea, called Snoezelen, hypothesized that by providing soothing stimuli to all five senses and allowing people to have some control over their environments, people with special health care needs could have more positive and effective experiences in health care settings. This idea was tested by measuring bio-feedback, including blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate, in Snoezelen environments and regular health care environments. “Data showed that people experienced less stress in Snoezelen environments,1” says Dr. Sigal. As well, feedback from patients, caregivers, support workers and health care providers suggested that patients felt calmer and were more cooperative. By providing soothing stimuli to all five senses and allowing people to have some control over their environments, people with special health care needs could have more positive and effective experiences in health care settings. In 2016, when Dr. Sigal opened her office, which includes as many Snoezelen elements as possible, she also started tracking data about how her patients’ responded to the environment. In 2021, she and Dr. Michael Sigal, a pediatric dentist and Alison’s father, published an article that both explained how she had applied Snoezelen principles to a dental environment and how it had impacted the oral health care of her patients.2 “About 85% of our patients had received dental care in a hospital setting before they came to us,” Dr. Sigal said. “And about 50% of them required general anesthesia to receive dental care. These same patients can mostly receive their care without general anesthesia at our office, as only about 5% still required general anesthesia.” Feedback surveys showed that 90% of new patients said that care, cooperation, and experience were improved compared to previous medical and dental visits. When asked why, 98% stated the environment and staff approach to care were the primary factors. “What is most exciting is that the creation of a more comfortable environment can improve access to dental care for people with special health care needs,” Dr. Sigal says. “This population faces diverse barriers to care and oral health, but a soothing environment designed with these patients in mind can help.” 17 Issue 2 | 2023 | Issues and People
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