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Psychiatric Recovery Center
Group Protocol
Group Name:
Day/Time:
Length of Group:
Min/Max Size:
Division:
Program:
Group Leader:
Step Into Better Health
Thursdays
60 minutes
2/15
St. Luke’s Hospital
Psychiatric Recovery Center
Jeni Dulek, OTR/L
PURPOSE: People living with mental illness may have challenges in getting the right amount
of physical activity. Often, symptoms such as isolation, anxiety, depression, and psychosis, as
well as drowsiness from medications, can lead to limited exercise. In addition, lack of access to
exercise equipment and safe recreation areas can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. People with
mental illness also often have health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, and high
cholesterol, which can be improved with physical activity (Solutions for Wellness manual). This
group is designed to raise members’ awareness of the importance of exercise, to increase
motivation to move more, and to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to increase exercise
in the community in a safe and effective way. Walking will be highlighted as an easilyaccessible, safe exercise choice, and patients will be encouraged to walk in the community
outside of group times in order to apply knowledge learned in group sessions.
FORMAT: The group will meet for 12 weekly 60-minute sessions. The group will be a closed
group, with all members screened for safe participation in community exercise activities
(primarily walking). Initially, sessions will focus on increasing motivation to exercise and
learning skills necessary for safe participation in a walking program. Topics to be covered will
include: setting goals, using pedometers, incorporating music, staying safe, keeping hydrated,
warming up and cooling down, and dressing appropriately while walking. The remaining
sessions will utilize a “small steps” approach to safely increasing activity levels, through
monitoring of daily steps total (via pedometer use), suggestions for gradually increasing activity
levels, and peer/staff support around pursuit of health/fitness goals. Patients will be encouraged
to create a personalized plan to increasing their activity levels through walking, and will be given
the opportunity to problem-solve and gain encouragement/advice from others as they take steps
toward implementing this plan.
TREATMENT GOALS:
1. Patients will identify physical benefits to increasing their activity levels.
2. Patients will identify psychological benefits to increasing their activity levels.
3. Patients will identify factors that affect their activity level and choices, including
barriers to exercise participation.
4. Patients will identify a personalized plan to gradually and safely increase their
activity levels.
5. Patients will be able to accurately measure their own heart rate and weekly step totals
(via pedometer use).
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
1. Patients will comply with rules and expectations of the group.
2. Patients will report ability to establish realistic and attainable health-related goals.
3. Patients will report increased self confidence from learning new skills, being responsible
for effecting personal growth, and completing assignments.
4. Patients will report carry over of skills into home and community environment.
5. Patients will express motivation to continue to make positive health-related changes in
their lives.
DOCUMENTATION AND REVIEW MECHANISM:
Attendance sheets will be distributed each session to record patient’s weekly participation.
Progress notes will report on patient’s level of involvement and current functional capabilities.
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