An Audit of Goal Planning in Rehabilitation

Abstract

Objective: The study had the following objectives: (1) To audit current practice within a system of client-centered goal planning, and (2) Identify areas of staff training need and ways in which these training needs could be addressed. Design: Data were collected using qualitative methods comprising documentation analysis, observations of meetings, training needs focus groups, and interviews. Setting: The project was carried out at a center that specializes in neurological rehabilitation and uses a system of client-centered goal planning. Results: The documentation analysis showed that goal planning succeeded in achieving its targets at levels ranging from 32% to 96%. Observations showed a reluctance to chair goal-planning meetings and that key staff were absent and/or important information was unavailable in some cases. Training needs assessments showed that some aspects of the philosophy and process were poorly understood. Conclusion: A structured interdisciplinary training package that focuses on knowledge about goal planning and the acquisition of necessary process skills is needed. The structure and content of such a package are briefly outlined.