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

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.