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 A | Medicare Part B | Other 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.
Enhance Your Rehab Program with ACP
Explore how ACP’s innovative technologies can support your group therapy initiatives and help you achieve better outcomes for your patients.
- 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.
