Collaborative goal setting within student-led musculoskeletal physiotherapy services: a qualitative analysis using
Taryn Jones1, Renae Shepherd1, Emmah Baque1
1School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|November 1, 2025
Summary
Student physiotherapists effectively use goal setting with patients, primarily focusing on functional activities and participation. This approach enhances patient-centered care and aligns with physiotherapy education goals.
Area of Science:
- Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Patient-Centered Care
Background:
- Musculoskeletal conditions represent a major public health issue with significant socioeconomic impact.
- Goal setting in physiotherapy improves patient-therapist relationships and objective alignment.
- Student physiotherapists' goal-setting practices are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the goal-setting practices of student physiotherapists in a student-led musculoskeletal service.
- To analyze the types of goals set by participants and their alignment with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
Main Methods:
- A prospective qualitative study was conducted at a student-led musculoskeletal physiotherapy service.
- Goals were collaboratively set with 99 adult participants using the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and interviews.
- Written goals were analyzed and categorized according to the ICF framework.
Main Results:
- 98% of participants set goals during their initial appointment, with 95% using both PSFS and interviews.
- All goals were classifiable within the ICF framework.
- The majority of goals (39.6%) pertained to Activities, followed by Participation (23.3%), and then Body Functions and Structures. Limb-specific goals focused on Activities, while neck and back goals addressed Body Functions and Structures.
Conclusions:
- Student physiotherapists widely implement goal setting, emphasizing patient-centered outcomes in Activities and Participation.
- These findings offer insights into goal setting within student-led physiotherapy services.
- The study underscores the importance of supporting comprehensive goal-setting practices in physiotherapy education.
Keywords:
Patient-reported outcomescontent analysiscurriculumhealth service deliverymusculoskeletal clinical practicework integrated learningMore Related Videos
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