Tag: group therapy

Enhancing Group Therapy with Virtual Reality in SNF Rehab 

Enhancing Group Therapy with Virtual Reality in SNF Rehab 

The highlights:

  • Integrating virtual reality (VR) into group therapy enhances patient engagement and functional outcomes, transforming the rehabilitation experience
  • Effective implementation involves selecting collaborative VR activities, fostering healthy competition, and adapting experiences to group dynamics for maximum benefit
  • ACP will soon launch a new technology that helps clinicians seamlessly incorporate VR into group therapy

As skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, they constantly seek innovative ways to improve patient outcomes, drive operational efficiencies, and differentiate their rehabilitation programs. We recently covered how VR could transform skilled rehab. By thoughtfully integrating VR into group therapy sessions, clinicians can tap into synergies that address the key goals of modern SNFs: boosting patient engagement, enhancing functional outcomes, and optimizing the efficiency of care delivery.

The Synergies of VR and Group Therapy 

The Synergies of VR and Group Therapy

We have explored the individual benefits of VR and group therapy in SNF rehab. VR has proven to be an innovative solution that can increase patient engagement, encourage longer and more intense therapy sessions, and positively impact patient mood.1, 2 Meanwhile, group therapy settings have been shown to foster a supportive environment that enhances socialization, promotes healthy competition, and allows for more cost-effective care delivery. 

Together, group therapy and VR unlock a world of possibilities. The immersive, interactive nature of VR can take the group therapy experience to new heights, motivating patients to push the boundaries of their abilities while enjoying the camaraderie and encouragement of their peers. The social dynamics of group therapy can further amplify the engagement and therapeutic value of the VR experience. 

Practical Strategies for Incorporating VR into Group Therapy 

So, how can SNF clinicians harness the power of this dynamic duo? Here are some practical strategies for incorporating VR into group therapy sessions: 

Choose VR Experiences that Promote Collaboration 

Select VR applications that encourage teamwork and group interaction. For example, choose multiplayer activities where patients work together to achieve a shared goal or VR environments that simulate real-world tasks requiring coordination. 

Foster Friendly Competition  

Competition knows no age! Incorporate VR activities that allow patients to compete against their peers in a fun, supportive environment. Healthy rivalry can boost engagement and motivation, pushing participants to go beyond their perceived limits. 

Leverage Dual-Task Training 

Use VR to introduce cognitive challenges alongside physical exercise. As patients navigate the virtual world, have them perform tasks that engage both the body and the mind, such as remembering sequences, solving puzzles, or making decisions. This dual-task training can enhance overall functional abilities. 

Adapt VR Experiences to Group Dynamics  

When choosing VR applications, be mindful of group size, patient abilities, and therapy goals. Customize the virtual environments and tasks to ensure all participants are appropriately challenged and can actively engage with each other. 

Complement VR with Traditional Group Activities 

While VR can be an excellent supplement to group therapy, it should never wholly replace more conventional group activities. Combine VR experiences with traditional group activities to create a well-rounded rehab program. 

Elevating Rehabilitation Outcomes with VR-Enhanced Group Therapy

By combining evidence-based group therapy and VR, clinicians can foster better engagement, improved functional outcomes, and a heightened sense of community that supports the whole patient. 

This powerful combination can change how patients experience rehabilitation, which is why we are excited to share that we will soon launch a new, immersive VR technology that integrates seamlessly into group therapy – keep an eye out for more on that soon. In the meantime, as you continue to explore ways to optimize your skilled nursing rehabilitation program, consider the transformative potential of VR-enhanced group therapy. This dynamic combination can help you deliver exceptional care and position your facility for long-term success. 

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  1. Kizmaz, E., Telli Atalay, O., Çetin, N., & Uğurlu, E. (2024). Virtual reality for COPD exacerbation: A randomized controlled trial. Respiratory Medicine, 230, 107696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107696 ↩︎
  2. D’Cunha, N. M., Nguyen, D., Naumovski, N., McKune, A. J., Kellett, J., Georgousopoulou, E. N., Frost, J., & Isbel, S. (2019). A mini-review of virtual reality-based interventions to promote well-being for people living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Gerontology, 65(4), 430-440. https://doi.org/10.1159/000500040  ↩︎

As skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, they constantly seek innovative ways to improve patient outcomes, drive operational efficiencies, and differentiate their rehabilitation programs. We recently covered how VR could transform skilled rehab. Learn how you can combine VR with group therapy to boost patient engagement, enhance functional outcomes, and optimize care delivery.

Boosting Patient Outcomes & Engagement with Group Therapy

Boosting Patient Engagement & Outcomes with Group Therapy

The highlights:

  • Recent research shows that incorporating group therapy alongside individual treatment can significantly improve patient self-care performance in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). 
  • Group therapy in SNFs creates a supportive network that promotes growth, learning, and improved socialization skills while reducing feelings of isolation among patients. 
  • Implementing group therapy can be cost-effective, allowing therapists to provide impactful care to more patients while maintaining high-quality outcomes.   

For skilled nursing facilities seeking to deliver optimal patient care, group therapy is a powerful tool that can increase patient engagement and enhance therapy outcomes while optimizing resources. Let’s explore how this treatment modality can benefit both patients and facilities seeking to elevate their standard of care. 

Key Benefits of Group Therapy in SNFs

Better Patient Engagement and Outcomes

Recent research published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy demonstrates that incorporating group therapy sessions alongside individual treatment can lead to significant improvements in patient self-care performance. The study found that patients participating in both group and individual occupational therapy sessions showed statistically- significant improvements in self–care compared to those receiving only individual sessions.1

Increased Patient Satisfaction

The same study revealed that 76% of participants were satisfied with group therapy sessions, compared to 60% satisfaction with individual treatment. This suggests that patients not only benefit from group therapy but also enjoy the experience.

Improved Socialization and Connection

Regular participation in group therapy sessions provides patients with a chance to socialize and give and receive support throughout a shared experience. This approach can foster valuable social connections among patients, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

Motivation Through Healthy Competition

Group settings also provide an opportunity for patients to engage in healthy competition, which can boost engagement and motivate patients to exercise longer and at a greater intensity throughout their session.

Cost-Effective Care

Group therapy enables facilities to efficiently provide care to more patients simultaneously, making it a cost-effective supplement to individual therapy. This can help SNFs manage resources while maintaining high-quality care. 

Real-World Skill Application

Group sessions enable therapists to perform interventions in more complex or distractible environments that mimic real-world experiences. This helps patients practice day-to-day life tasks they typically do with others, enhancing the transfer of skills to daily life upon discharge. 

Considerations for Effective Group Therapy Implementation

To maximize the benefits of group therapy, therapists should consider the following when designing and delivering treatment:

  • Focus Areas: Determine whether the group will target specific impairments, mobility, self-care, or education.
  • Group Size: Ensure that the group size allows for safety, active engagement, and appropriate challenges for all members. Medicare Part A guidelines suggest groups of two to six residents.
  • Balance with Individual Treatment: While group therapy offers numerous benefits, it should complement, not replace, individualized care. The study mentioned above found optimal results when group sessions were combined with individual therapy.

Regulatory Considerations

When implementing group therapy, it’s crucial to adhere to payer guidelines: 

Medicare Part AMedicare Part BOther Payers
Defines group therapy as the treatment of two to six residents performing the same or similar activities, supervised by a therapist or assistant not overseeing other individuals.Considers group therapy as the treatment of two or more patients simultaneously, who may or may not be performing the same activity. For other payers, follow Medicare Part A guidelines unless otherwise specified.

Maximizing Quality Care

Group therapy in skilled nursing facilities offers a win-win solution, benefiting both patients and providers. As you consider incorporating or expanding group therapy in your facility, remember that the key to success lies in thoughtful implementation. By carefully designing groups, balancing them with individual care, and adhering to regulatory guidelines, you can harness the full potential of this powerful treatment modality to provide impactful patient care. 

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  1. Luchynsky, M. K., Ashbaugh, K., Bowser, A., Campisi, E., Gleixner, M., Heinbach, B., & Snak, A. (2023). Efficacy of utilizing the group mode of treatment delivery in OT for skilled nursing facility settings. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(Supplement_2), 7711510267p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.77S2-PO267 ↩︎

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For skilled nursing facilities seeking to deliver optimal patient care, group therapy is a powerful tool that can increase patient engagement and enhance therapy outcomes while optimizing resources. Let’s explore how this treatment modality can benefit both patients and facilities seeking to elevate their standard of care.