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Research Article
Issue Date: September 01, 2009
Published Online: May 05, 2014
Updated: June 04, 2014
Qualitative Exploration of a Client-Centered, Goal-Directed Approach to Community-Based Occupational Therapy for Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury
Emmah Doig; Jennifer Fleming; Petrea L. Cornwell; Pim Kuipers
Author Affiliations
  • Emmah Doig is PhD Candidate, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4062 Australia; emmah.doig@optusnet.com.au
  • Jennifer Fleming, PhD, is Senior Research Fellow in Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland and the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
  • Petrea L. Cornwell, PhD, is Research Fellow in Speech Pathology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland and the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
  • Pim Kuipers, MA, Grad Dip Rehab, PhD, is Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Remote Health, Joint Centre of Flinders University and Charles Darwin University, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Traumatic Brain Injury / Efficacy: Perceptions of Therapy
Research Article   |   September 01, 2009
Qualitative Exploration of a Client-Centered, Goal-Directed Approach to Community-Based Occupational Therapy for Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2009, Vol. 63, 559-568. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.63.5.559
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2009, Vol. 63, 559-568. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.63.5.559
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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, 12week 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.