Background

Standards of Practice state those methods and approaches to planning, analyzing, implementing and evaluating programs and services that are recognized nationwide by activity professionals as highly successful in promoting or enhancing quality discretionary-time activities for resident/clients in a variety of institutional settings. In addition, Standards of Practice help to identify the scope and realm of the activity profession and the activity professional; provide a mechanism for goal-setting; and offer objective criteria for assessment of progress toward satisfying the needs of the people the profession seeks to serve.

Activity Planning

In order to be meaningful and realistic, planning for activities must be based on the participant’s past and present life-style, interest, values and capabilities. To the fullest extent possible, the client/resident is the primary source of information for activity planning and each participant’s strengths and needs are the primary factors used to establish short and long term activity goals.

Standard #1: The collection of information about the past, present and future interests, as well as the values/characteristics/traits/individuality or the client/resident is systematic and continuous. The information obtained is recorded, communicated, and accessible.

Measurement Criterion: Activities planning information includes the following profile for each participant: Family history, cultural background, educational background, social habits (large and small groups, alone), vocational background, recreational traits/hobbies (talents, sports, games, travel, reading television and fine arts), memberships in clubs/organizations (leadership positions), volunteer activities, political involvement (voting habits), spiritual activities (church attendance, roles, scripture study), companionship with animals, profile of typical day (past, present), profile of typical week (past, present), life goals/aspirations/dreams, mental functioning, physical functioning, sensory functioning, emotional functioning.

Information is collect from: Client/resident, family significant others; records and reports; other professionals involved with the care of the client/resident.

Information is obtained by: Interviews, observation, reading records and reports.

The collection of information is: Systematic; coordinated with information/data from all other professionals involved with the care of the client/resident; continuous as evidenced by recording of changes in participation in daily activities.

The information collected is: Accessible on the client/resident record; retrievable from record-keeping systems.

Standard #2: The Activity Plan is developed based on the client/resident strengths and needs.

Measurement Criterion: Goals are mutually set with the client/resident whenever possible; are set to maximize life satisfaction of the client/resident; are consistent with plans from other disciplines; and are measurable.

Activity Analysis: Data about the nature and the strengths and weaknesses of various activities are collected, analyzed and used as base-line information to determine those activity programs that will most satisfy client/patient needs.

Standard #3: Activities are selected based on a comparison and matching of their strengths and weaknesses with those identified in the Activity Assessment of client/resident needs.

Measurement Criterion: The client/resident’s past, current and future activity interests and level, their current and past health status and their capabilities and limitations are identified and compared to established norms.

Activity Implementation: The client/resident needs an opportunity to accomplish goals and satisfy needs through individual and group activities.

Standard #4: The client/resident’s Individual Activity Program is designed to facilitate the accomplishment of his/her goals and needs.

Measurement Criterion: Activities and programs presented are safe and reflect the client/resident’s interest and participation in planning and implementation. The Activity Program presented is consistent with the plan of care, allows for changes in the participant’s health status and utilized community resources in its implementation.

Activity Assessment: Goal achievement is a process that must be continually monitored throughout an activity’s life cycle for maximum effectiveness in satisfying participants’ needs.

Standard #5: The client/resident’s progress or lack of progress toward goal achievement is periodically reviewed and altered as necessary.

Measurement Criterion: Current data is used to evaluate progress toward goal achievement including data collected from activity documents and from other members of the interdisciplinary team. Client/resident evaluation of progress included information related to: progress toward goals, appropriateness of goal, effectiveness of program developed, goal achievement, resources used, staff and volunteers used. The client/resident is involved in setting new goals when appropriate.