An exploration of clients' goals during inpatient and outpatient stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

Aims The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the goal setting of clients with stroke during inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Methods Sixteen participants were recruited from an inpatient (n=6) and outpatient (n=10) stroke rehabilitation programme. A semi-structured interview was conducted to determine participant's goals for rehabilitation and the goals of therapy sessions. Responses were coded according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and thematic analysis undertaken to further summarize the responses. Findings Thematic analysis identified a difference in the types of goals identified by the two participant groups. Goals for the inpatient group were focused on activities and participation (n=18, 78%), whereas a more even distribution between activities and participation (n=23, 56%) or body functions and structures (n=18, 44%) was observed with the outpatient group. When asked to identify the perceived goals of therapy session, participants from both groups stated goals primarily related to body functions and structures (74–86%). Conclusions This study has highlighted an apparent shift in clients' goals during the inpatient and outpatient phases of stroke rehabilitation. In addition, a clear discrepancy between the clients' goals and their perceived goals of therapy sessions during both phases of rehabilitation was evident. These findings suggest a need for an improved process of collaborative goal setting during stroke rehabilitation.