The use of goal setting by physicians in the treatment of diabetes

Although physicians commonly report that they use goals in introducing diabetic regimens, little is known about exactly which aspects of established goal-setting techniques are used. This exploratory study sought to ascertain if and how medical doctors employ goal setting in presenting regimens to their patients. Six physicians (second-year metabolism fellows or endocrinologists) were asked to describe their treatment of a "typical" diabetic patient. The responses were analyzed for use of the elements of systematic goal setting. The results indicated that while the physicians had target outcomes in mind they made little use of the key elements of established goal-setting techniques.