Goal setting practice in services delivering community-based stroke rehabilitation: a United Kingdom (UK) wide survey

Purpose: We investigated the nature of services providing community-based stroke rehabilitation across the UK, and goal setting practice used within them, to inform evaluation of a goal setting and action planning (G-AP) framework.

Methods: We designed, piloted and electronically distributed a survey to health professionals working in community-based stroke rehabilitation settings across the UK. We optimised recruitment using a multi-faceted strategy.

Results: Responses were analysed from 437 services. Services size, composition and input was highly variable; however, most were multi-disciplinary (82%; n ¼ 335/407) and provided input to a mixed diagnostic group of patients (71%; n ¼ 312/437). Ninety one percent of services (n ¼ 358/395) reported setting goals with ‘‘all’’ or ‘‘most’’ stroke survivors. Seventeen percent (n ¼ 65/380) reported that no methods were used to guide goal setting practice; 47% (n ¼ 148/315) reported use of informal methods only. Goal setting practice varied, e.g. 98% of services (n ¼ 362/369) reported routinely asking patients about goal priorities; 39% (n ¼ 141/360) reported routinely providing patients with a copy of their goals.

Conclusions: Goal setting is embedded within community-based stroke rehabilitation; however, practice varies and is potentially sub-optimal. Further evaluation of the G-AP framework is warranted to inform optimal practice. Evaluation design will take account of the diverse service models that exist.