Goal-setting in physiotherapy: exploring a person-centered perspective

• Published in: Physiotherapy theory and practice Vol. 37; no. 8; pp. 863 - 880
• Main Authors: Melin, Jeanette, Nordin, Åsa, Feldthusen, Caroline, Danielsson, Louise
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 03.08.2021; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: balance; care; Concept formation; Content analysis; Goal setting; home; neurological rehabilitation; Nursing; Objectives; older-adults; Omvårdnad; patient; patient care planning; Patient-centered care; perceptions; Physical therapy; Physician patient relationships; Physiotherapy; professional; professional competence; professional competence gap; professional-patient relations; Reflective practice; Rehabilitation; review; stroke; Treatment methods; Understanding; Goal-setting; patient care planning; patient-centered care; professional competence; review; professional-patient relations; professional competence gap
• ISSN: 0959-3985; 1532-5040; 1532-5040
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2019.1655822

Objective: To analyze definitions and related requirements, processes, and operationalization of person-centered goal-setting in the physiotherapy research literature; to discuss those findings in relation to underlying principles of person-centeredness; and to provide an initial framework for how person-centered goal-setting could be conceptualized and operationalized in physiotherapy. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the databases: CINAHL, PubMed, PEDro, PsycINFO, REHABdata and Scopus. A content analysis was performed on how person-centered goal-setting was described. Results: A total of 21 articles were included in the content analysis. Five categories were identified: 1) Understanding goals that are meaningful to the patients; 2) Setting goals in collaboration; 3) Facing challenges with person-centered goal-setting; 4) Developing skills by experiences and education; and 5) Changing interaction and reflective practice. These categories were abstracted into two higher-ordered interlaced themes: 1) To seek mutual understanding of what is meaningful to the patient; and 2) To refine physiotherapy interaction skills, which we suggest would be useful for further conceptualization. Conclusion: In this analysis, we interpreted person-centered goal-setting in physiotherapy as a process of interaction toward a mutual understanding of what is meaningful to the patient. Future research may explore how to integrate mindful listening, embodied interaction and continuous ethical reflection with different assessments and treatment methods.