How can it be put into clinical practice?

One common method of implementing goal setting is to have a member of the multi-disciplinary team nominated as a key worker who works closely with the patient to identify their goals. Go through the slides to find out more about the headings.

What is the role of the key worker?

• The key worker in collaboration with the clinical team is responsible for evaluating if the patient is capable of doing patient centred goal setting
• The key worker is the person nominated to coordinate, document and communicate a specific patient’s goals
• The key worker is responsible for ensuring that the goals relate to patients aims and not to what the team think should be set
• The key worker explores with the patient what their main target is. If the patient states that they wish to go home then the key worker encourages the patient to identify what they think that entails so that more specific priorities/goals can then be set
• The key worker discusses with the patient their priorities and current abilities
• The key worker in collaboration with the patient and their team identifies and agrees the goals
• The key worker documents the goals and sets a clear review date
• The key worker circulates copies of the goals to the patient and their team
• The key worker reviews and resets the goals with the patient

How do I write patient centred goals?

• Each goal should relate directly to a specific patient priority/aim
• Goals should be written in a patient friendly way. They should be fully understandable to patients and use of medical terminology should be avoided
• Goals should relate directly to what patients wish to achieve, they represent the outcome and not the intervention required to achieve it
• Goals should be clearly measurable
• A clear and documented review date should be agreed and identified

Reference: Randall K., E. And McEwen I., R 2000 ‘Writing Patient-centred Functional Goals’ Physical Therapy 80; 13 pg 1197-1208