RCPT 445
PROGRAMMING AND EVALUATION IN RECREATION THERAPY 

1. Catalog Entry

RCPT 445. Programming and Evaluation in Recreation Therapy
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisites: RCPT 344.

Semester offered: Spring.

Program design, planning and evaluation of recreation therapy services within various care, treatment and rehabilitation agencies as well as public park and recreation settings.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

An in-depth systematic application of the program planning process and evaluation in recreation therapy service delivery in various human service settings (models) through the utilization of case studies. The focus of the approach is on the elements of the Therapeutic Recreation Process which incorporates assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating. The process is basic to the development of individual/group plan or program. Also considered within the approach is the underlying rationale for using process and those primary techniques and procedures necessary to facilitate the process. The class will include one or more field trips to health-care facilities.

The following topics are considered in the order given:

• Philosophies associated with the practice of recreation therapy
• Pragmatism
• Existentialism
• Holism
• Positivism
• Research designs associated with the practice of recreation therapy
• Experimental
• Quasi-experimental design
• Survey research
• Case studies
• Organization of healthcare institutions
• Management
• Theories
• Conducting a team meeting
• Role and function of recreation therapy on an interdisciplinary treatment team
• Key terms used in programming and management
• Personnel management: styles and decision making
• Supervision
• Internship programs
• Volunteer utilization
• Consultation
• Resources
• Fiscal (e.g., budgets, payment systems)
• Grant and proposal writing
• Quality assurance/program accountability
• Accreditation standards and regulation
• JCAHO
• CARF
• HCFA
• Components of quality improvement
• Utilization review
• Risk management
• Peer review
• Ethics
• Outcome monitoring
• Advancement of the profession
• Sponsoring internships
• Collaborative research
• Co-presentations
• Co-authoring case studies/articles/books
• Treatment planning, intervention and outcome evaluation
• Analysis of literature to determine efficacy of selected therapeutic interventions
• Adapting therapeutic activities to meet client needs
• Integrate previous learning and experiences to develop an identity of self as a professional in therapeutic recreation.
• Clinical reasoning and critical thinking in applying therapeutic activities

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course

This course emphasizes the application of the process within various human service models through the case study approach. Approximately two-thirds of the semester focuses on the application of the process to case studies representing individuals found in various health and health-related facilities and public park and recreation departments.

Role playing to represent various kinds of team meetings in various settings is implemented. After initial examples of the process, case studies are considered and discussed in the classroom. Case studies are assigned as homework and students are expected to spend a substantial amount of time applying the process to respective case studies.

Field trips are taken to assist in understanding case studies and to allow students the opportunity to observe the process in a real-life situation. Video-tapes are also used to show procedures and functions within health-care facilities.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the conclusion of the course, the student will:

1. Describe the recreation therapy service delivery systems in health, health-related, and rehabilitation settings, including continuum of service (health setting to community setting) and the referral process.
2. Apply and articulate the Therapeutic Recreation Process within various human service models.
3. Describe and apply proper procedures and techniques associated with quality assurance.
4. Describe and apply various assessment tools used in the Therapeutic Recreation Process.
5. Apply standards of practice relative to recreation therapy.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment of the student's success is based on a final examination and assigned case studies. Consideration is given to individual preparation and participation in role-playing exercises and classroom discussion.

6. Other Course Information

None

7. Review and Approval

DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
November 2005 Reviewed Susan R. Van Patten, Curriculum Chair