Activity PRN: Exploring Meaningful Occupation 'As and When Required' on a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: Occupational deprivation and barriers to meaningful and purposeful activity are key issues for patients admitted to psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs), resulting in occupational alienation. To increase the frequency of engagement in meaningful occupations, an intervention named 'Activity PRN' was developed. Method: A quasi-experimental study was completed, measuring the number of ad hoc activities and the frequency of activity engagement on a PICU ward over a period of six months. Therapeutic programme sessions were excluded as this study measured 'as and when required' activities. Data were collected from 18 patients admitted to the ward over a period of three months prior to the intervention start, and from 22 patients in the following three months during the intervention. Patients were supported to choose personally meaningful activities, which were then risk-assessed, and resources and activity locations were organised. Activity PRN cards were used to communicate their activity choices to ward staff, and facilitate activity engagement. Results: Data comparison showed greater provision of, and engagement in, meaningful activities as a result of the intervention. It was found that the terms 'Activity PRN' and 'PRN activities' were used commonly within the ward and hospital. Conclusion: Activity PRN was used as a successful intervention to reduce occupational deprivation and promote occupational justice on the ward. Further study is required to measure the clinical validity of Activity PRN within inpatient mental health units.