Making videotapes: an activity for hospitalized adolescents

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Health Communication

Background:

• Hospitalized adolescents often face challenges in communication and mastering their healthcare experiences.
• Creative media interventions can offer unique therapeutic benefits for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a videotape program for hospitalized adolescents.
• To enhance client creativity, staff-client communication, and health care mastery.
• To adapt the program for an outpatient group of developmentally disabled adolescents with behavioral issues.

Main Methods:

• A videotape program was co-developed by an activities specialist, instructional technologist, and occupational therapist.
• The program was initially piloted on an adolescent inpatient unit and later adapted for an outpatient setting.
• Participants included hospitalized adolescents and developmentally disabled young males in the penal system.

Main Results:

• The program provided adolescents with a creative outlet using videotape technology.
• It facilitated improved communication dynamics between healthcare staff and adolescent clients.
• Clients gained a sense of mastery over aspects of their healthcare journey.

Conclusions:

• Videotape programs can be effective therapeutic tools for hospitalized adolescents.
• The intervention demonstrated adaptability for diverse adolescent groups, including those with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges.
• Creative media offers a valuable avenue for enhancing adolescent patient engagement and therapeutic outcomes.