Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2009):

Qualitative exploration of a client-centered, goal-directed approach to community-based occupational therapy for adults with traumatic brain injury.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We explored the clinical application of goal-directed therapy in community-based rehabilitation from the perspective of clients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), their significant others, and their treating occupational therapists. METHOD: Twelve people with TBI and their significant others completed an outpatient, goal-directed, 12-week occupational therapy program. Semistructured interviews with 12 participants, 10 significant others, and 3 occupational therapists involved in delivering the therapy programs explored their experiences of goal-directed therapy. RESULTS: Participants, their significant others, and therapists described goal-directed therapy positively, expressing satisfaction with progress made. CONCLUSION: Goals provide structure, which facilitates participation in rehabilitation despite the presence of barriers, including reduced motivation and impaired self-awareness. A therapist-facilitated, structured, goal-setting process in which the client, therapist, and significant others work in partnership can enhance the process of goal setting and goal-directed rehabilitation in a community rehabilitation context.

Author information

Author/s: Doig, Emmah (E); Fleming, Jennifer (J); Cornwell, Petrea L (PL); Kuipers, Pim (P);

Affiliation: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4062 Australia. emmah.doig(-atsign-)optusnet.com.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The American journal of occupational therapy. : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association (Am J Occup Ther), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2009 Sep-Oct; vol 63 (issue 5) : pp 559-68

Dates: Created 2009/09/29; Completed 2009/10/23;

PMID: 19785255, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/23/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Adult Brain Injuries - rehabilitation Female Goals Humans

Male Occupational Therapy - methods Patient-Centered Care Patients - psychology Qualitative Research Young Adult

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