Activity Scheduling to Increase Staff-Patient Interactions

The effects of planned activities training procedures with staff on the quantity of staff-patient interactions were examined. Subjects were five direct-care staff members employed at a residential facility for adults with schizophrenia. Observations were conducted on the clinical unit during morning grooming, leisure time, and organized group activities. Three interventions were used: a memo, staff training in planned activities and incidental teaching procedures, and the public posting of activity schedules. The memo was ineffective at increasing the staff-patient interactions, as was the staff training. However, the public posting intervention demonstrated an increase in staff-patient interactions. This increase continued and was evident from follow-up evaluations. The advantages and limitations of this study are discussed.