Team assessment in stroke rehabilitation

Goal planning is one of the most universal approaches in rehabilitation, yet its application is much more than just setting specific behavior-focused goals. This article aims to emphasize the fundamental aspects of the process and reference the key literature in the area. At its heart, goal planning is about producing lasting behavior change, and the central role of the patient in the assessment and rehabilitation process is highlighted throughout. The team-based nature of assessment is promoted and the benefit of measuring verbal (a patient's knowledge of his or her condition and ability to instruct others in its management) as well as physical capability, as incorporated by one of the measures, is discussed. A hierarchical approach to the setting of goals is suggested so that individual patient need can be reflected in the process rather than setting goals which centre on specific professional skills. The article provides information about the long-term benefits for the patient and service that arise from this change of emphasis and maps the goal-planning process onto an adjustment model. Practical case examples of patient involvement in the assessment and goal-setting process are given.