Updates to Activity Scheduling

Overview

• Activity Scheduling is a tool within the Boosting Behavior module of many SilverCloud programs.
• It supports individuals in identifying and engaging with different types of activities. The aim of the tool is to break the cycle of inactivity and withdrawal, as it can maintain and worsen symptoms of depression.
• We have spent some time reviewing and improving this tool and have released a new version.

Why change it?

• The tool was designed a number of years ago when most people used laptops and desktops to access SilverCloud.
• Now the majority of people using SilverCloud access it through a mobile device, where the smaller screens made it difficult to use the tool and view entries.
• In the new version of the tool we are aligning with the behavioral activation model of Routine, Necessary & Pleasurable activities. 

Part 1 Activity Scheduling: List and rank activities

 What has changed?

• The 2 parts of the tool are more integrated, the list created in the first part is now fully synced with the scheduling calendar & reflection part. 
• In the first part of the tool, we have changed the categories for the activities from Achievement & Pleasure to Routine, Necessary & Pleasurable. 
• Clients will now be able to list their activities within each category, rather than listing them first and applying the category afterwards.
• The scheduling and reflecting section is better designed for mobile screens and our user testing has shown that it is more intuitive and easier to use.

Part 2 Activity Scheduling: Schedule and Reflect

 

How does this affect existing clients?

• Entries marked as Achievement will now be marked as Necessary. 

 

Clinical objectives of activity scheduling

• As a clinician, I want the client to get into the habit of identifying activities that they have stopped doing as a result of their depression symptoms, because recognition is the first step.
• As a clinician, I want the client to recognize that there are different types of activities (necessary, pleasurable, routine), because those are 3 types of activity that can help you overcome depression.
• As a clinician, I want the client to reflect on the activities they planned to do and to problem solve and re-plan any activities they didn’t get around to.