Research

Caitlin Hodnett has completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University. Her thesis abstract is below. You are welcome to discuss this with her if you choose to.

The Participants’ Experience of a Goals-based Community Rehabilitation Service: the impact of using a Goals Menu.

ABSTRACT

This study explored the participant experience of using a goals menu in community rehabilitation. A goals menu is a list of goal statements from which the participant selects their rehabilitation goals. These goal statements are then individualised for each participant, and are used to guide their rehabilitation.

A phenomenological approach was used to explore the participant’s rehabilitation experience, with emphasis on the impact of using a goals menu to set goals. Six participants were purposefully recruited from one Victorian community rehabilitation service. Semi-structured interviews were completed.

The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed. The following themes were identified relating to the impact of the goals menu:  1) the goals menu provides direction and the development of a rehabilitation plan, 2) hope about a new future, 3) awareness of self: knowing own capabilities and limitations, 4) a way of working together: a collaboration, 5) a process for engagement in rehabilitation: the participant role in rehabilitation, and 6) a means of returning to an ‘adapted’ normal life.

In addition, participants described their role in goal-based rehabilitation as including their active engagement in rehabilitation, sharing their goals, ‘doing the work’, asking questions, seeking information, receiving advice, sharing their experiences about their rehabilitation progress, and making their own decisions.

This study suggests that that a goals menu is a useful tool in facilitating participant goal setting, especially with its direct relationship to promoting hope for a new future. It suggests that models of service provision need to include the participant’s role in rehabilitation. It also highlights hope and self-efficacy as important inter-professional education topics. In summary it has been demonstrated that team work which is centred around the participant, is instrumental in a positive rehabilitation experience, and supports the practice of person centred care.

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