[Goal setting in inpatient medical rehabilitation: exploring the current practice]

Goal setting is regarded as a key element in the rehabilitation process. Information about current goal setting practice is limited. However, there is potential for further improvement, e. g. as far as patient participation in the goal setting process is concerned. The study reports results of a survey on the current practice of goal setting in medical rehabilitation, focusing on development potential. The study examines acceptance and requirements for goal setting as well as patients' and professionals' experiences regarding goal setting during the rehabilitation process, with an emphasis on patient participation.

A total of n=40 rehabilitation professionals and n=210 inpatients with a diagnosis of chronic back pain, diabetes mellitus type 2 or coronary heart disease were surveyed at six rehabilitation centres using a questionnaire. Questionnaires contained predominantly closed-ended items regarding the current practice of goal setting. Several items were identical for both groups. In addition to the quantitative evaluation by means of frequency analyses free text data were evaluated.

Rehabilitation professionals saw various benefits in goal setting with patients. Many professionals experienced patients to have personal goals for their rehabilitation, and most of them believed that patient participation in goal setting is possible. Also, barriers and requirements for goal setting were identified. A consistent concept for goal setting, involvement of and exchange between the different occupational groups and an elaborate handling of information in the context of goal setting seem to be realised at least partially. Professionals and patients reported similar frequencies of talks on goal setting at different times during the rehabilitation course. Patient participation seems to be realised to some extent but not comprehensively. The results show slight discrepancies between patients' and professionals' statements.

Current practice of goal setting in inpatient rehabilitation of patients with the diagnoses named above is altogether on a relatively advanced level in the rehabilitation centres taking part in the study. The study identifies potential for development concerning a comprehensive implementation of goal setting, the realisation of patient participation, goal documentation and their integration into rehabilitation. Moreover, deeper involvement of the rehabilitation team and a stronger conceptual integration of the subject within the centres seem desirable. This can be taken up within the scope of interventions.