Goal Priorities Identified through Client-Centred Measurement in Individuals with Chronic Stroke

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify goal priorities in a sample of individuals with chronic stroke. METHOD: In this descriptive study involving 19 community-dwelling individuals with stroke, participants were interviewed on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to ascertain problem areas experienced after hospital discharge. Once problems were identified, they were classified under the three dimensions of the COPM: self-care, productivity, and leisure. RESULTS: The mean time since stroke was 6.8 (±2.9) years. Eighty-four problems were identified within the three dimensions of the COPM. The most frequently cited problems in each dimension were bathing (self-care) by 42% of participants, household maintenance (productivity) by 32% of participants, and walking outdoors (leisure) by 32% of participants. Overall, participants rated their performance of identified problems and satisfaction with their abilities as low and rated each dimension as equally important for problem priority. CONCLUSION: Long after hospital discharge, individuals with chronic stroke were able to identify issues of concern that could benefit from involvement of rehabilitation professionals. Clinicians should be aware that issues of bathing, walking, household maintenance, and recreational activities are of particular importance to people with chronic stroke living in the community. A client-centred approach to problem generation (ie, use of the COPM) may assist in enhancing client involvement and motivation towards rehabilitation.