Intervention/Practice Protocol Guidelines



1.  Introducing the Intervention Protocol   

This section sets the stage so the reader understands the conceptual basis of the protocol by describing the client population for whom the protocol is developed, the facility type, and the typical course of recreational therapy intervention for the target client population. Authors must maintain confidentiality in presenting facts by using client(s) or agency pseudonym or other mock identification.

2.  Theoretical and Evidence-based Foundations   

This section should present content with substance by defining the theoretical and evidence-based foundations for recreational therapy services, client diagnostic area, and intervention area.

3.  Client and Intervention Protocol Background

Define and describe the client(s) involved in the intervention protocol. Define the purpose, structure, and format of the intervention protocol including:

• Purpose
• Entrance and exit requirements for client involvement in the protocol
• Individual or group
• Frequency and duration of intervention sessions
• Safety considerations, facility and equipment requirements
• Methods of implementation
• Client outcomes

4.  Intervention Protocol Implementation

This section describes the intervention protocol with-in the therapeutic recreation process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.

• Assessment: describing how clients are assessed for placement in the intervention protocol.
• Planning: describing how client goals were determined, referrals, coordination and/or collaboration with treatment team professionals, etc.
• Implementation: describing the exact sequence and execution of the intervention protocol with observations and data on each session content and process.
• Evaluation: describing an appraisal of how the clients responded to the planned intervention, measurement of client outcomes, adaptations and revisions of the protocol, and observed unanticipated positive and negative outcomes of the implemented intervention protocol.

5.  Author Comments   

This section should summarize the content with clinical or personal commentary, reflections, critique, and/or ideas for the future by providing new or unusual insights, sound integration with practice, or logical argument, and concluding with real life implications for recreational therapy practice.

6.  References

All references cited in the manuscript should be appropriately referenced according to APA style (6th edition). References may include published literature sources, personal interviews or communication, observations, or unpublished material relevant to the article.

Tables & Figures

As part of some protocol interventions, tables or figures might illustrate theory or practice application. Tables and figures are camera-ready submissions formatted in APA style.

Quality of Presentation

The writing should convey clearly, adequately, and precisely the purpose of the manuscript. Graphics should be appropriately used, basic data be presented, and without discrepancies in writing. Grammatical aspects should be correct and sequence of thought adequate. Manuscripts must adhere to APA (7th ed.) style guidelines.

Useful References

• Buettner, L. L., & Fitzsimmons, S. (2006). Introduction to evidence-based recreation therapy. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation,15, 10-19.
• Stumbo, N. J., & Peterson, C. A. (2009). Therapeutic recreation program design: Principles and procedures (5th ed.). San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings.
  

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