Activity PRN: Establishing meaningful occupation as and when required across acute inpatient mental health and psychiatric intensive care units

Abstract

Introduction:

There is a recognised phenomenon of boredom and lack of activity engagement within mental health units. Further innovation is required to improve access to meaningful activity within inpatient mental healthcare.

Method:

A quasi-experimental study measured the effect of Activity PRN on a female psychiatric intensive care unit and a male acute unit. Ad hoc activity provision, number of activity types engaged in per patient, and engagement frequency per patient was measured over a 3 month pre-intervention period. PRN activities, defined as ‘meaningful, purposeful, accessible and timely activities’ were measured during a 3 month post-intervention period. Patients received support to create an Activity PRN card, which contains information for ward staff to engage patients in their chosen activities.

Results:

Following intervention, activity provision, number of activity types engaged in per patient, and engagement frequency per patient increased on both units. Study limitations were low activity reporting and a limited number of activities available on Activity PRN cards. This suggested a need to improve staff training and review of the cards.

Conclusion:

Activity PRN is an effective intervention which promotes meaningful occupation on mental health units. An implication for occupational therapy practice is the use of meaningful, purposeful, accessible and timely activities.