An exploration of goal-setting practices in Queensland rehabilitation services

Interdisciplinary teamworking in rehabilitation: experiences of change initiators in a national rehabilitation hospital

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to qualitatively explore the experiences of healthcare professionals implementing changes (as change initiators) and operationalizing interdisciplinary teamwork in a rehabilitation service within the Irish healthcare system.

DATA SOURCES

Data for this study were collected through focus group discussions with change initiators involved in interdisciplinary team initiatives at a rehabilitation service in Ireland.

REVIEW METHODS

A reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the focus group data, which involved identifying patterns and themes within the narratives provided by participants.

RESULTS

Three overarching themes emerged from the analysis: 1. "Nature of the Battle for Change", 2. "Characteristics of the 'Status Quo' and Contradictions to IDT Working," and 3. "Power and Identity: Threats to Hierarchy and Status". These themes shed light on the challenges faced in implementing interdisciplinary teamwork, particularly the perceived threats to individual power and professional identity within hierarchical healthcare structures.

CONCLUSION

Implementing healthcare changes, especially in historically hierarchical healthcare systems is complex. Interdisciplinary team rehabilitation can challenge the status quo, posing adoption barriers. A nuanced, bottom-up approach is recommended, emphasizing long-term coalition building, continuous professional development, and early discussions about hierarchy and status. These recommendations offer practical guidance for stakeholders seeking to implement interdisciplinary, person-oriented approaches in rehabilitation practices, facilitating better anticipation and resolution of challenges, and ultimately improving care delivery and patient outcomes.

Methods of Goal-Setting in Rehabilitation of Adults with Physical Dysfunctions-A Scoping Review

This scoping review utilized the JBI methodology to investigate methods of goal-setting used in the rehabilitation of adults with physical dysfunctions. Electronic databases were searched for articles published in the last 5 years. The inclusion of articles and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Results were presented and synthesized numerically and thematically analyzed. Results suggest that goals should be client-centered and specific and long-term goals, should be complemented with medium and short-term goals. While various goal-setting methods are used in current practice, their full potential is often not realized due to improper implementation. Therefore, there is a need for educating clinicians to improve the goal-setting process and ensure its effectiveness.

The core components of clinical planning for Comprehensive, High-dose Aphasia Treatment (CHAT): A task analysis

BACKGROUND

Intensive comprehensive aphasia programmes (ICAPs) deliver intensive aphasia rehabilitation via a cohort approach, aligning with the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification for Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). ICAPs are an effective treatment approach for aphasia rehabilitation, and their implementation within healthcare settings is currently being investigated. However, there are challenges associated with selecting and tailoring evidence-based treatments for delivery within ICAPs and supportive processes for selecting and tailoring therapy are required. To address this challenge, structured and collaborative clinical planning has been incorporated as a key element of one modified ICAP (mICAP), the Comprehensive, High-dose Aphasia Treatment (CHAT) programme. CHAT provides 50 h of personalized, goal-directed therapy for language impairment and function across 8 weeks. Our current understanding of how clinical planning is conducted for this programme is limited.

AIMS

(1) To identify and define the individual tasks performed as part of a structured, collaborative clinical planning process for CHAT and its telerehabilitation counterpart TeleCHAT; and (2) to understand speech pathologists' perspectives of the key components, roles and resources for clinical planning.

METHODS

A mixed methods hierarchical task analysis (HTA) approach was utilized to analyse observations of 10 goal-setting sessions and planning discussions of 13 patients across two CHAT and TeleCHAT cohorts. Focus groups and interviews with seven speech pathologists and two speech pathology leaders involved in delivering or supporting the delivery of the programmes were also conducted. Clinical planning tasks, personnel involved and resources used were iteratively built into a task analysis framework. Perspectives on the key elements of clinical planning were obtained and analysed using deductive qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Seven clinical planning tasks, comprising 25 subtasks, were identified across CHAT and TeleCHAT: assessment and analysis, goal-setting, an initial planning meeting, scheduling and coordination, resource preparation, a midway planning meeting, and planning throughout therapy. One additional task was identified for TeleCHAT: identify and prepare technology. Identifying appropriate patients for CHAT and TeleCHAT was considered a precursor to clinical planning. Each clinical planning task was perceived as essential for its success. The involvement of both clinical and research teams and access to resources to structure clinical planning tasks were also described as key elements.

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS

Clinical planning is a central component of CHAT and TeleCHAT, involving a number of multifaceted processes. Understanding how clinical planning is executed in practice is the first step towards implementing ICAPs and mICAPs such as CHAT and TeleCHAT in other settings. Understanding the factors that influence the implementation of the clinical planning process is needed to further inform this translation.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject Speech pathologists experience challenges selecting and tailoring evidence-based aphasia therapy, and support for clinical planning has been reported to facilitate the delivery of ICAPs. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study comprehensively describes the process of clinical planning for the CHAT and TeleCHAT programmes, two Australian-modified ICAPs (mICAPS), and is amongst a few descriptions of treatment mapping processes in broader aphasia rehabilitation practice. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The detailed description of clinical planning processes, in addition to key resources and personnel for CHAT and TeleCHAT, may assist speech pathology teams in improving clinical planning practices. It is a key preliminary step in translating structured, collaborative clinical planning processes into aphasia rehabilitation practice.

Implementing a tailored, co-designed goal-setting implementation package in rehabilitation services: a process evaluation

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the process of implementing an evidence-based goal-setting package into five rehabilitation services across the continuum of rehabilitation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study used a mixed methods approach guided by Medical Research Council (MRC) recommendations for conducting process evaluations, the RE-AIM framework, and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). This study will evaluate the reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the goal-setting package over six months.

RESULTS

Environmental context and resources, the clinician's social and professional role and identity, social influences and clinician beliefs about goal-setting consequences and individuals' capabilities were all identified as barriers or enablers throughout the implementation process. Community rehabilitation services faced challenges implementing paper-based resources, whilst inpatient rehabilitation sites faced challenges engaging nursing staff in the interdisciplinary approach to goal-setting. Social influences were an enabler in two sites that used the case conference format to facilitate setting common goals. Clinicians in all sites continued to express difficulties implementing shared decision-making with people who had cognitive impairments or were no longer progressing in their rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

A team-based approach to implementing the goal-setting interventions centred around the case conference format appeared to be the most successful mode for implementing interdisciplinary person-centred goal-setting.

Experiences of goal planning in Australian community pharmacy settings for people experiencing mental illness: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Person-centred goal planning is increasingly being incorporated into healthcare interventions. People experiencing severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMIs) have high levels of co-occurring health conditions, reducing their life expectancy when compared with the general population. As medications are commonly used in the treatment of SPMIs, community pharmacists are well-placed to support the health and wellbeing of this population.

OBJECTIVES

To examine pharmacists' and service users' experiences of goal planning as a component of a community pharmacy-based health intervention for people experiencing SPMIs (PharMIbridge intervention).

METHODS

This study utilised a qualitative exploratory approach with an interpretive description method. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with community pharmacists (n = 16) and service user participants (n = 26) who had participated in pharmacist support services for people experiencing SPMIs (PharMIbridge intervention).

RESULTS

Four themes relating to goal planning were identified. First, goal planning provided purpose and motivation for participation in the intervention. Planning realistic goals was important but often challenging. Both pharmacists and service users highlighted the relational aspects of goal planning and how strong relationships supported positive behaviour change and outcomes. Finally, individualised and flexible approaches were important aspects of the intervention, ensuring goals were meaningful to service users.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study identified positive outcomes from the inclusion of goal-planning processes in a community pharmacy-based health intervention. Further research regarding tools, strategies or training that could support future goal-planning interventions in primary healthcare is needed.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

The PharMIbridge randomised controlled trial research team included lived experience members and was overseen by an expert panel that included members with a lived experience of mental illness and representatives from key organisations. The training provided to pharmacists was co-designed and co-delivered by the researchers and lived experience representatives, and pharmacists were supported by lived experience mentors. Service user participants were invited to participate in the interviews through a number of pathways (e.g., at the completion of the intervention, flyers). Those interested were provided with the full study participant information and provided with a $30 gift voucher at the conclusion of the interview.

The role of collaborative decision-making in discharge planning: Perspectives from patients, family members and health professionals

AIM

To explore discharge planning with a range of key stakeholders in subacute care, including consumers.

DESIGN

Qualitative descriptive study.

METHODS

Patients (n = 16), families (n = 16), clinicians (n = 17) and managers (n = 12) participated in semi-structured interviews or focus groups. Following transcription, data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

The overarching facilitator of effective discharge planning was collaborative communication, leading to shared expectations by all stakeholders. Collaborative communication was underpinned by four key themes: patient- and family-centred decision-making, early goal setting, strong inter- and intra-disciplinary teamwork, and robust patient/family education.

CONCLUSION

Effective planning for discharge from subacute care is enabled by shared expectations and collaborative communication between key stakeholders.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE

Effective discharge planning processes are underpinned by effective inter- and intra-disciplinary teamwork. Healthcare networks should foster environments that promote effective communication between and within multidisciplinary team members as well as with patients and their families. Applying these principles to discharge planning may assist in reducing length of stays and rates of preventable readmissions post-discharge.

IMPACT

This study addressed a lack of knowledge about effective discharge planning in Australian subacute care. It found that collaborative communication between stakeholders was an overarching facilitator of effective discharge planning. This finding impacts subacute service design and professional education.

REPORTING METHOD

COREQ guidelines were followed in reporting this study.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution in the design, data analysis or preparation of the manuscript.

Refining a taxonomy of goals planned between mental health consumers and community pharmacists

BACKGROUND

People living with severe and persistent mental illnesses are more likely to experience co-morbid health conditions. Health-related behavior change can be promoted by the use of goal planning within community pharmacy settings.

OBJECTIVES

To trial and refine a recently developed taxonomy to categorize goals co-designed between community pharmacists and people living with severe and persistent mental illnesses. This study also compared the data to the previously published taxonomy data to determine if the taxonomy could be applied across a range of mental health conditions.

METHODS

The published goal taxonomy was refined using data from a cluster randomized controlled trial (PharMIbridge). Community pharmacists provided an individualized support service using goal planning with people living with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Goals were categorized using the existing taxonomy and inconsistencies were used to modify and refine the taxonomy. Additionally, participant characteristics and categorization of goals were compared with results from the previous study.

RESULTS

512 goals were reported by 158 consumer participants and categorized into five domains that included a diverse range of health behaviors (e.g., relationships, diet). Minor refinements to the taxonomy were made by replacing, adding or removing categories/descriptors.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant overlap between the goals of participants and the existing taxonomy was found, supporting the application of the taxonomy across different mental health conditions.

Implementation of best practice goal-setting in five rehabilitation services: A mixed-methods evaluation study

OBJECTIVE

This implementation study aimed to enhance the key elements of clinical practice goal-setting across 5 rehabilitation services.

DESIGN

This study followed a participatory action research approach guided by the Knowledge to Action framework.

METHODS

Medical record audits and structured client interviews were conducted prior to and following 12 weeks of implementation, in order to evaluate the success of the goal-setting implementation package.

RESULTS

Medical record audits and interviews conducted pre-implementation (audits n = 132, interviews n = 64), post-implementation (audits n = 130, interviews n = 56) and at 3-month follow-up (audits n = 30) demonstrated varied success across sites. Following implementation 2 sites significantly improved their common goal focus (site 1 p ≤ 0.001, site 2 p = 0.005), these sites also demonstrated a significant increase in clients reporting that they received copies of their rehabilitation goals (site 1 p ≤ 0.001, site 2 p ≤ 0.001). Four sites improved client action planning, feedback and review, and 3 sites enhanced their specificity of goal-setting. At 3-month follow-up 4 sites had continued to improve their common goal focus; however, all sites decreased the specificity of their goal-setting.

CONCLUSION

Elements of the implementation package were successful at enhancing the goal-setting process; however, how the package is implemented within the team may impact outcomes.

Developing tailored theoretically informed goal-setting interventions for rehabilitation services: a co-design approach

Background

Several active ingredients contribute to the purposes and mechanisms of goal-setting in rehabilitation. Active ingredients in the goal-setting process include, interdisciplinary teamworking, shared decision-making, having meaningful and specific goals, and including action planning, coping planning, feedback, and review. Clinicians have expressed barriers and enablers to implementing these active ingredients in rehabilitation teams. Interventions designed to improve goal-setting practices need to be tailored to address context specific barriers and enablers. Attempts to understand and enhance goal-setting practices in rehabilitation settings should be supported using theory, process models and determinant frameworks. Few studies have been undertaken to enhance goal-setting practices in varied case-mix rehabilitation settings.

Methods

This study is part of a larger program of research guided by the Knowledge to Action (KTA) framework. A multisite, participatory, codesign approach was used in five sites to address three stages of the KTA. (1) Focus groups were conducted to understand barriers and enablers to implementing goal-setting at each site. Following the focus groups three staff co-design workshops and one consumer workshop were run at each site to (2) adapt knowledge to local context, and to (3) select and tailor interventions to improve goal-setting practices. Focus groups were analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and informed the selection of behaviour change techniques incorporated into the implementation plan.

Results

Barriers and enablers identified in this study were consistent with previous research. Clinicians lacked knowledge and understanding of the differences between a goal and an action plan often confusing both terms. Clinicians were unable to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of comprehensive action planning and review processes that extended beyond initial goal-setting. Interventions developed across the sites included staff training modules, a client held workbook, educational rehabilitation service flyers, interdisciplinary goal-based case conference templates, communication goal boards and a key worker model. Implementation plans were specifically established for each site.

Conclusions

Rehabilitation teams continue to struggle to incorporate a truly client-centred, interdisciplinary model of goal-setting in rehabilitation. Whilst clinicians continue to lack understanding of how they can use aspects of goal-setting to enhance client outcomes and autonomy in rehabilitation settings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08047-6.