The Engagement in Preferred ActivitieS Scale aims to increase the quality of life of individuals participating in therapeutic recreation or activity groups and interventions. There are many factors that go in to creating good quality of life. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) state that there are many factors that must be in place in order for good quality of life to occur.

The EPASS focuses on multiple quality of life domains, such as participation, activities, dignity, accommodation of needs, and self-determination.  The scale gauges participant engagement levels in activities and strives to increase future engagement based on previously obtained information.

Individualizing care approaches by maintaining dignity, and accommodating needs, are also a critical part of providing person-centered care, which is focused on resident desires and comfort, as opposed to what is easy or perceived to be best for the facility or staff.