Goal Setting Strategies and Goal-Directed Approach in Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice: A Meta-Analysis

• Published in: Asian Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol. 20; no. 1; pp. 59 - 69
• Main Authors: Okita, Yuho, Abe, Hirokazu, Kura, Koki, Kamogawa, Ken, Tomori, Kounosuke
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese; English
• Published: Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists 2024
• Subjects: child; goal setting; goal-directed approach; occupational therapy; pediatric
• ISSN: 1347-3476; 1347-3484
• DOI: 10.11596/asiajot.20.59

Introduction: Goal setting and goal-directed approaches are integral components of client-centered practice in pediatric occupational therapy, but the effectiveness of these approaches has yet to be systematically analyzed. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of goal setting and goal-directed approaches in pediatric occupational therapy practice.Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis by searching multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest Central, CINAHL, and AMED) using the PRISMA checklist, the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials template.Results: Of the 14 studies identified, seven were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that a goal-directed approach had small to moderate clinical effects on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure performance and satisfaction scores. The approach also had a moderate effect on parental self-efficacy, although there was no significant difference between groups in this outcome. However, no significant clinical effect of the goal-directed approach was seen in body structures and function. Conclusion: The study's findings suggest that goal-directed approaches can improve parents' perception of their child's development and self-efficacy but may not significantly affect performance or body structures and function. Further research is necessary to develop evidence-based goal-setting approaches in pediatric occupational therapy practice.