A Preliminary Exploration of Goal-setting in Community-based Rehabilitation for People with Brain Impairment

Abstract

Community-based rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) is largely driven by goals set in the course of rehabilitation by clients and service providers. A preliminary study investigating the perspectives and practice of experienced rehabilitation coordinators was undertaken to explore issues that influence goal-setting in community rehabilitation settings. Detailed interviews and subsequent rounds of clarification were conducted with six experienced rehabilitation coordinators. Key themes identified through inductive analysis include cognitive influences, other client influences, service provider influences and the client-service provider relationship in the goal-setting process. Based on the findings, a preliminary descriptive schema of goal-setting in a community-based rehabilitation service for people with acquired brain injury is suggested. Factors such as training, experience, and values of the rehabilitation coordinators are also discussed in terms of their influence on goal-setting. Some strategies to assist a person with ABI to identify and work towards achieving realistic goals are identified. Suggestions for enhancing community-based rehabilitation practices with people with ABI, and scope for future research are noted. This paper constitutes a general overview of goal-setting in community-based ABI rehabilitation.

Self‐identified goals and the ability to set realistic goals following acquired brain injury: A classification framework

“…The results of this study extend the existing literature regarding goal setting for individuals with ABI (Bergquist & Jacket, 1993;Kuipers et al, 2004;Webb & Glueckauf, 1994). The findings of the present study, including the development of the classification framework, provide therapists with greater insight into the goals most commonly identified by individuals with ABI.…”

Functional outcomes of community-based brain injury rehabilitation clients

“…Consistent with the ABI literature, BIRCH services are person-centred with therapy intensity and duration tailored to individual goals and needs [24][25][26]. A collaborative approach with the client, their everyday supports (i.e.…”

“…Given the diverse effects of a brain injury on an individual, a holistic perspective in rehabilitation which considers physical, cognitive, emotional, social and financial aspects of an individual's situation is also crucial. This approach requires an integrative setting whereby clients, significant others and staff work towards common goals, rather than discipline-specific objectives [24]. The following group and/or individual-based therapies are offered to BIRCH clients, depending on an initial needs-assessment: Clinical Psychology; Medical Rehabilitation; Neuropsychology; Occupational Therapy; Physiotherapy; Physical Education; Recreational Coordination; Social Work; Speech Pathology and Vocational Coordination.…”

Efficacy of leisure intervention groups in rehabilitation of people with an acquired brain injury

“…Goal-directed therapy requires the implementation of a goal-planning process that identifies client-centred goals (Malec, 1999). The importance of therapists working in community based rehabilitation settings developing goals with clients rather than imposing goals has been emphasised by Kuipers, Foster, Carlson and Moy (2004).…”