Subjective sensory sensitivity in healthcare settings: a qualitative investigation of aversive experiences and barriers to access care

Abstract Background People who experience subjective sensory sensitivity may report distress or unease in response to sensory stimuli such as loud noises and bright lights. Healthcare settings can have many such stimuli which may trigger aversive reactions in sensory sensitive individuals. Methods This qualitative study used a sensory screening tool to identify sensory sensitive individuals who were then invited to complete an online questionnaire relating to their lived experience of sensory sensitivity in a range of healthcare settings (N = 69). Carers of sensory sensitive individuals were also invited to answer similar questions (N = 8). Template analyses were used to derive themes for each participant group. Results Themes were organised around: Features that trigger sensory sensitivity; emotional, cognitive and physical impact; impact on individuals’ healthcare; mitigation approaches; understanding and accommodation by staff; suggested Improvements. Overall, our participants described sensory sensitivity having a detrimental impact on healthcare experiences across varied settings, notably in causing distress, interference in healthcare participation, and reducing access to care. Additionally, participants reported a perception of staff lacking the ability to help, which in turn impacts disclosure or help-seeking behaviour. Conclusions These findings highlight a need for raising awareness about sensory sensitivity to encourage help-seeking behaviour and provide a more sensory-inclusive environment.