Recreational Therapy: An IntroductionChapter 13: Management, Consultation, and Research

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Purpose of Chapter 13

The purpose of Chapter 13 is to consider processes within the workplace and the profession that support the professional growth of RTs.

Three segments within the chapter include management, consultation, and research.

RT management

In RT units, managers are typically first-line managers who are responsible for direct supervision of staff, interns, and volunteers.

Managers of RT service units also oversee nonhuman resources, such as equipment, supplies, and space or work areas.

Content within management segment

Contained within the discussion are how RT management influences job responsibilities, availability of resources, professional preparation, and staff supervision, as well as RTs opportunities for professional growth.

Questions to ask when interviewing with the manager of the RT service:

What is the mission of the RT service?

What are your goals, as manager, in relation to the unit?

How do you interpret the job description and role within the unit and agency for the position for which I am applying?

How do you, as manager, control access to equipment, supplies, or moneys for new items?

What types of supervision are provided for staff?

Does the unit or agency support staff’s participation in professional organizations, conferences, and workshops?

Clinical Supervision

Clinical supervision involves an experienced RT (the clinical supervisor) who forms a supportive relationship with an RT (the supervisee) to assist the RT in developing his or her professional skills as a therapist.

Clinical supervision has the dual purpose of enhancing the skills of the individual RT while protecting the integrity of the agency’s clinical program by providing improved levels of service for clients.

RT managers should, as a part of their role, make certain that clinical supervision is available to RTs.

Professional growth

Participation in professional organizations is a means by which RTs can enhance their professional growth.

In the U.S., numerous state and regional RT chapters are affiliates of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, the national professional organization for RTs.

In Canada, provinces have professional societies and the national organization is the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association.

Other organizations, such as the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and American Public Health Association, are available to RTs as well.

All organizations provide professional information and training. They typically conduct an annual conference for members.

RTs need to determine if management will provide time and financial support to attend conferences and workshops provided by professional organizations.

Summary of management segment

The management of a service unit influences the opportunities RTs have for developing professional and clinical knowledge and skills.

Therefore, management directly influences opportunities for professional growth within the workplace so RTs, when seeking positions, need to consider how the management of the service unit will enhance or hinder their professional development.

Consultation

Consultation involves a process in which a consultant (a professional with specialized knowledge) works with a client (individual or group) seeking that knowledge.

The client may be an RT or an RT unit or an agency that has RT personnel.

The purpose of consultation is for the consultant to help the client enact changes in the agency.

Five-stage consultation process

1. Entry and contracting

2. Discovery and dialogue

3. Feedback and the decision to act

4. Engagement and implementation

5. Extension, recycle, or termination

Research

Research is a systematic and well-planned process that allows the researcher to gather information about a phenomenon.

Questions regarding research

What is the link between research and practice in RT?

What is evidence-based practice?

How do practitioners stay informed on current research?

Link between research and practice

Knowledge of research that examines the effectiveness of RT interventions will aid RTs in designing interventions.

Research supports the development of protocols.

Three components in evidence-based practice (EBP)

A major component of EBP is considering the best research evidence available.

A second component involves the expertise of the RT to carry out the intervention.

The third component is the client’s preferences, beliefs, and values.

3 principal components of EPB:

Means to stay informed on current research

Read RT journals (e.g., American Journal of Recreation Therapy).

Read broader journals (e.g., Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation).

Textbooks (e.g., Austin’s Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques: Evidence-Based Recreational Therapy).

Conference research presentations (e.g., ATRA Conference).