Use of the Into Aging Game to Improve Empathy Among Nursing, Recreational Therapy, and Social Work Students

As the older adult population continues to increase, healthcare professionals who specialize in caring for this population will continue to be in demand. Collaborative interprofessional teamwork is of utmost importance in the care of the older adult patient. The purpose of this curriculum activity was to determine if the use of an aging simulation game improved empathy of nursing, recreation therapy, and social work students toward older adults. A total of 185 students participated in the simulation. Results indicated that the simulated experience improved the level of empathy among interprofessional students toward older adults.

Interprofessional Education for Group Processes in Mental/Behavioral Health

As health care organizations, accrediting bodies, and research support and promote interprofessional approaches for treatment programs, an introduction to interprofessional education and practice should occur during pre-professional education for this practice to become habit. This paper looks at applying these principles to pre-professional behavioral health student participants in nursing, recreation therapy, psychology, and social work through an interprofessional simulated group therapy experience. While the main objective of this project was to create an interprofessional experience for mental/behavioral health participants, the study also aimed to build an affinity for working within an interprofessional team and to develop empathy for individuals living with a mental/behavioral health diagnosis. All students acknowledged the benefits of empathy and collaborative affinity for both the team and consumers, and expressed concern about the lack of interprofessional learning within pre-professional programs.

Thanks and Welcome!

It is with saddened heart that I announce the retirement of Dr. Nancy Richeson, PhD, CTRS, FDRT as Editorin- Chief of the American Journal of Recreation Therapy (AJRT). . .As with many transitions, change can be unsettling. Fortunately for the American Journal of Recreation Therapy and the field, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Allison Wilder, PhD, CTRS/L as our new Editor-in-Chief. Dr. Wilder is Associate Professor and Faculty Fellow at the Center on Aging and Community Living in the Department of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire—College of Health and Human Services.

The Role of PT, OT, and Other Therapies in Palliative Care for Seriously Ill Patients

This chapter describes the roles of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, and recreation therapy in providing rehabilitation for patients receiving palliative care. Palliative rehabilitation should be included as part of a comprehensive interdisciplinary effort to support patients who experience functional impairments or symptoms that impact daily life and that result from terminal illness. Palliative rehabilitation focuses on creating collaborative goals that address disability and easing symptom burden to maximize or maintain function throughout every stage of disease. Patients receiving the appropriate rehabilitative interventions can adapt to the changes and foster an optimal quality of life. Nurses collaborate with the rehabilitation team so that patients and their caregivers can achieve a greater benefit from their palliative care.