Collaborative Goal Setting: A Clinical Approach for Adults With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Cognitive-Linguistic Therapy

Background:

• Traditional goal setting in rehabilitation may favor expert-driven models over client perspectives.
• Establishing meaningful treatment goals is crucial for client motivation and functional recovery post-mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Observation:

• A novel collaborative goal-setting protocol was developed for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and individuals with mTBI.
• The protocol was exemplified through a multiple case study involving two participants with mTBI at different recovery stages.

Findings:

• Collaborative goal setting enabled clients to identify strengths/challenges, prioritize goals, and develop personalized treatment activities.
• The protocol resulted in meaningful goals addressing both self-reported and objectively measured cognitive-linguistic deficits.
• Participants demonstrated increased motivation and achieved functional outcomes aligned with their personalized goals.

Implications:

• Client-centered goal development enhances motivation and functional outcomes in mTBI rehabilitation.
• This systematic, collaborative approach is clinically feasible and places the client at the forefront of decision-making.
• Such methods are particularly valuable for individuals with mTBI facing cognitive-communicative challenges and high self-awareness.