Recreational Therapy at St. Marks Hospital Mindy Burgess

What is Rec. Therapy? Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being. Further, "Recreational Therapy” means a treatment service designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition. 

Recreational therapy is not all fun and games Recreational therapy is not all fun and games. There is a purpose behind the activities that are specifically targeted to each patient.  When individuals are suffering from a physical injury or mental illness, they need help learning, not only how to live with their disability, but to enhance their quality of life by reducing the isolation that patients experience and helping them to participate in leisure activities. APIED Process Assess Plan Implement Evaluate Document

Professional Organizations American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) The only national membership organization representing the interests and needs of therapeutic recreation specialists, also known as recreational therapists.  Utah Recreation Therapy Association (URTA) URTA is established for the development of the profession of Recreation Therapy, to promote standards of practice and strengthen members through: education, advocacy, research, networking, community partnership, involvement in local, state and national issues and the enhancement of personal growth and development. National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) The premier credentialing organization for the profession of Therapeutic Recreation.

Credentialing Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification including education, experience, and continuing professional development. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is offered to qualified individuals based on these stringent requirements. To practice: 1. Completion of Bachelor degree or higher with in Recreation Therapy or concentration in     Recreational Therapy (Therapeutic Recreation). 2. Completion of a minimum 14 week / 560 hour internship supervised by a CTRS. 3. Successful completion of the NCTRC Certification Exam In Utah: become licensed as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) Master Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (MTRS)

Client Outcomes Increased Physical Functioning Activity Tolerance and Pain Management Techniques Address Psychosocial Well-being Holistic Health/Whole-Person Healing

Physical Functioning Recreation therapy is cognizant of the PT, OT, and ST goals created through initial assessment process. We utilize recreation interventions to augment interdisciplinary goals. Examples: Table top games: upper body functioning, range of motion, fine motor skills, standing tolerance. Ladder ball, bowling, miniature golf, corn hole.

Activity Tolerance For everyday a person lies in bed, it takes three days to recover the strength lost. We also encourage patients to be out of their bed. Build endurance through activity Meaningful quiet time interventions Mandala coloring, word and number puzzles, etc. Bedside/chair tasks that provide diversion and distraction.

Psychosocial Well-being Patients may feel socially isolated during lengthy hospitalization course. Recreation therapy provide a change of pace and provide an additional form of positive interaction, implementing interventions that endorse psychosocial well-being. Helping that person to gain a sense of control during their healing process. Meeting a basic human need.

Holistic Health/ Whole-Person Healing The patients we serve are each intrinsically unique; therefore, they have unique needs. These needs are often more than just physical. Recreation therapists have started to take a step away from the medical model and instead utilize models of holistic health – we look at the entire person (physical, emotional, cognitive, social, spiritual). Positive affirmations Reminiscing Personal Goal setting Relaxation/guided imageries

Patients Served Stroke rehab patients High risk low volume patients Can engage in leisure task to address deficits: Complications due to hemiparesis Verbalization through verbal games Fine motor skills Midline crossing Vision tracking Memory High risk low volume patients High risk of multiple medical problems with longer stays – less of these patients in the hospital. Benefit: with the added service of recreation therapy, reduce hospital acquired pneumonia and UTIs by encouraging them to get out of bed more.

Guiding Principles Evidence based practice Person centered care We have a code of ethics and standards of practice and also adhere to St. Marks standards. In addition to these principles, we value: Evidence based practice Person centered care Trauma informed care