Goal setting in neurological rehabilitation: patients' perspectives

Abstract

Purpose: Goal setting has been described as the core skill of rehabilitation professionals, but there is little information about patients understanding of goal setting. This study explored how in-patients with neurological impairments experienced two different types of goal setting and identified the issues that underpin individuals' experience of goal setting.

Method: The study took place in a neurological rehabilitation unit in which two approaches to goal setting were being used that differed in the amount of patient involvement. A qualitative research design was adopted. Six focus groups were convened, three for participants experiencing usual participation and three for those with increased involvement in goal setting. A total of 28 participants (12 women, mean age 49 years) with a variety of deficits were recruited to the study over nine months. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the focus group transcripts.

Findings: Four themes were identified which impact on the ways in which in-patients make sense of goal setting: The rehabilitation process; personal response to goal setting; previous experience and disease limitations.

Conclusions: Healthcare professionals working in rehabilitation need to explore patients' understandings of their disease and their experiences and expectations of goal setting to ensure goal setting is a meaningful activity.