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Patient Participation in Physical Therapy Goal Setting

SM Baker, PT, DPTSc, GCS, is Coordinator, Distance Learning Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Loma Linda University–Oakwood College campus, Huntsville, Ala.
HH Marshak, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, Calif
GT Rice, RN, EdD, EdS, CHES, is Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University
GJ Zimmerman, PhD, is Associate Professor for Research and Professor of Biostatistics, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University

Address all correspondence to Dr Baker at 140 Taurus Dr, Harvest AL 35749 (USA) (smbakerpt{at}aol.com)

Background and Purpose. An important part of treatment planning in physical therapy is effective goal setting. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice recommends that therapists should identify the patient's goals and objectives during the initial examination in order to maximize outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether therapists seek to involve patients in goal setting and, if so, what methods they use. Therapists' attitudes toward participation and patient satisfaction with the examination were also examined. Subjects and Methods. Twenty-two physical therapists audiotaped the initial examination of 73 elderly patients (=76.4 years of age, SD=7.1, range=65–94). The audiotaped examinations were then scored using the Participation Method Assessment Instrument (PMAI) to determine the frequency of attempts made by therapists to involve patients in goal setting. Therapists and patients completed surveys following the examinations. Results. Therapists' use of participation methods during examinations ranged from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 19 out of 21 possible items on the PMAI. The therapists stated that they believed that it is important to include patients in goal-setting activities and that outcomes will be improved if patients participate. Patients also indicated that participation is important to them. Discussion and Conclusion. In most cases, the therapists did not fully take advantage of the potential for patient participation in goal setting. Patient and therapist education is needed regarding methods for patient participation during initial goal-setting activities.

Key Words: Collaboration • Geriatric rehabilitation • Goal setting • Patient participation

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