Evaluating the Implementation of a Therapeutic Workbook to Enhance Behavioral Programming in a Pediatric Psychiatric Hospital
Location
Center for Advanced Learning and Simulation (CALS)
Publication Date
April 2025
Start Date
17-4-2025 8:00 AM
Description
Background: The prevalence of pediatric psychiatric hospitalizations in the United States continues to rise, underscoring the need for structured behavioral programs to support therapeutic engagement and reduce negative events such as restraints, seclusions, and injuries to both patients and staff. Effective behavioral programming can enhance patient participation, promote emotional regulation, and improve overall unit safety. To address this, a pediatric psychiatric hospital introduced a therapeutic workbook aimed at increasing engagement, reinforcing hospital expectations, and implementing a structured reward system. Methods: This Quality Improvement (QI) project assessed the implementation and utilization of the new therapeutic workbook across two age groups: children (7-13 years) and adolescents (14-17 years). The workbook includes therapeutic activities, hospital instructions/rules, and a structured reward system. Our team reviewed completed workbook packets at weeks 4, 7, 10, and 12 post-implementation to evaluate: -Which workbook pages and activities were being utilized -Whether the reward system was being implemented as designed -Differences in engagement between age groups Data was collected through content analysis of completed workbooks, staff feedback, and observational audits to determine adherence to the program and identify areas for improvement. Results: Data continues to be collected, and we expect to observe variable engagement with the workbook, with certain activities being consistently utilized while others were underutilized. We also expect to observe partial implementation of the reward system, with differences observed between the child and adolescent groups. Further analysis will assess trends over time and identify strategies to enhance workbook effectiveness. Conclusions: The introduction of a structured therapeutic workbook in a pediatric psychiatric hospital has the potential to improve patient engagement and reinforce behavioral programming. Findings from this QI initiative will inform modifications to the workbook, staff training efforts, and strategies to optimize reward system implementation, ultimately contributing to a safer and more therapeutic hospital environment. Keywords: Pediatric psychiatry, inpatient behavioral programs, therapeutic workbook, patient engagement, reward system, quality improvement
Recommended Citation
Stallard, Caroline MD, MPH; Georgis, Kelly DO, MsPH; Granier, Mallory BS; and Roi, Cody MPH, "Evaluating the Implementation of a Therapeutic Workbook to Enhance Behavioral Programming in a Pediatric Psychiatric Hospital" (2025). Dept. of Psychiatry Research Symposium. 10.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/psych_rd/2025/presentations/10
Evaluating the Implementation of a Therapeutic Workbook to Enhance Behavioral Programming in a Pediatric Psychiatric Hospital
Center for Advanced Learning and Simulation (CALS)
Background: The prevalence of pediatric psychiatric hospitalizations in the United States continues to rise, underscoring the need for structured behavioral programs to support therapeutic engagement and reduce negative events such as restraints, seclusions, and injuries to both patients and staff. Effective behavioral programming can enhance patient participation, promote emotional regulation, and improve overall unit safety. To address this, a pediatric psychiatric hospital introduced a therapeutic workbook aimed at increasing engagement, reinforcing hospital expectations, and implementing a structured reward system. Methods: This Quality Improvement (QI) project assessed the implementation and utilization of the new therapeutic workbook across two age groups: children (7-13 years) and adolescents (14-17 years). The workbook includes therapeutic activities, hospital instructions/rules, and a structured reward system. Our team reviewed completed workbook packets at weeks 4, 7, 10, and 12 post-implementation to evaluate: -Which workbook pages and activities were being utilized -Whether the reward system was being implemented as designed -Differences in engagement between age groups Data was collected through content analysis of completed workbooks, staff feedback, and observational audits to determine adherence to the program and identify areas for improvement. Results: Data continues to be collected, and we expect to observe variable engagement with the workbook, with certain activities being consistently utilized while others were underutilized. We also expect to observe partial implementation of the reward system, with differences observed between the child and adolescent groups. Further analysis will assess trends over time and identify strategies to enhance workbook effectiveness. Conclusions: The introduction of a structured therapeutic workbook in a pediatric psychiatric hospital has the potential to improve patient engagement and reinforce behavioral programming. Findings from this QI initiative will inform modifications to the workbook, staff training efforts, and strategies to optimize reward system implementation, ultimately contributing to a safer and more therapeutic hospital environment. Keywords: Pediatric psychiatry, inpatient behavioral programs, therapeutic workbook, patient engagement, reward system, quality improvement