A pilot feasibility study of a randomized controlled trial of goal setting using the values in action inventory of strengths following brain injury

Abstract

In a single-blind feasibility pilot randomised controlled trial design, brain injury (BI) participants were recruited from a community rehabilitation centre and randomised into goal-setting using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS), and goal-setting as usual. Outcomes included the feasibility and acceptability of the VIA-IS, and its use in setting goals in a BI rehabilitation context, and whether it affected types of goals set (International Classification of Functioning (ICF)). Memory for goals two weeks later was measured, and a sample size calculated for a full-scale trial. Twenty-six BI participants were recruited, and randomised to the VIA-IS (n = 13) and control group (n = 13). Two dropped out of the VIA-IS condition, leaving a total n = 24. The majority (92%) of participants rated the VIA-IS as acceptable; both groups described the goal-setting process as 'easy'. VIA-IS feedback varied; over two thirds (73%) of VIA-IS participants used their VIA-IS results to set goals and described it as 'helpful'. There were no major differences in ICF categories between groups. A sample size of 66 would be required for a full-scale trial.A full-scale trial with multi-centre design appears warranted though might more clinically beneficial for difficult to engage BI clients.

Finding Goal Focus With People With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in a Person-Centered Multi-Component Community Connection Program (M-ComConnect)

“…Empowering strategies have also received attention in the literature. Focusing on strengths, for example, emerged from the field of positive psychology, and is recognized as being an important construct for personal growth (54), as well as having a positive impact on rapport building and rehabilitation outcomes (37). Equally, empowering strategies such as client's self-determination and choice and control over decision-making have received much attention in mental health practices, intellectual disability literature and rehabilitation literature (55)(56)(57).…”

“…Ylvisaker et al ( 12 ), for example, proposed an identity-oriented goal setting approach, utilizing metaphoric identity mapping to develop personally meaningful goals. Others have looked at the efficacy of specific tools, such as the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) that links goals to personal values ( 37 ). Prescott et al ( 27 ) conducted a systematic scoping review examining goal-setting approaches specific to people of working age with ABI.…”

Group-based positive psychotherapy for people living with acquired brain injury: a protocol for a feasibility study

“…The study will randomly allocate eligible patients to either the treatment (positive psychotherapy [PP] intervention) or control (TAU) at a 1:1 ratio with stratification by site and antidepressant use (yes/no) (see further details below under ‘ Randomisation ’). The choice of a TAU control condition was based on ethical considerations and also enabled comparisons with past research [ 10 , 11 , 13 ]. Data collection will take place at each of the three healthcare sites, capturing a diverse representation of patients and enhancing the generalizability of the findings beyond a single site.…”

“…Promising findings have been published with interventions focusing on use of signature strengths, reflection on positive events, volunteering, and goal setting [ 10 – 13 ]. Control comparison conditions in these studies included treatment as usual (TAU) [ 10 , 11 , 13 ] or waitlist-control conditions [ 12 ]. Treatment as usual included a variety of treatments including individual psychotherapy and group work, cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, setting goals for rehabilitation, psychoeducation focused on brain injury, social skills and meal planning and pharmacological psychiatric treatments for mood disorders.…”