Feasibility and Implementation Determinants of a Structured Goal Setting and Goal Management System

Abstract

Importance: There is no evidence-based system to guide occupational therapists in implementing theory-based, client-engaged goal setting and goal management. A new system is needed to support high-quality goal setting and goal management. Objective: To determine the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, credibility, and expectancy of a new structured theory-based, client-engaged goal setting and goal management system, called MyGoals, for occupational therapists. We explored MyGoals’ implementation determinants, potential positive outcomes, and comparative advantages. Design: This was a mixed-methods feasibility study. Setting: Community. Participants: Occupational therapists (N 5 7). Outcomes and Measures: Acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were assessed using the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM), and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). Credibility and expectancy were assessed with the Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ). Semistructured 1:1 interviews were conducted to explore occupational therapy perspectives on MyGoals and its implementation-related factors. Results: MyGoals had high AIM (M 5 18.1, SD 5 1.9), IAM (M 5 17.9, SD 5 2.2), FIM (M 5 17.3, SD 5 2.1) scores and high CEQ Credibility (M 5 22.1, SD 5 5.0) and Expectancy (M 5 20.6, SD 5 4.3) scores. Interview data revealed suggestions to improve MyGoals, implementation determinants across the individuals involved, inner setting, and intervention characteristic domains, client- and clinician-related potential positive outcomes, and comparative advantages. Conclusions and Relevance: MyGoals is an acceptable, appropriate, feasible, credible, and promising system to guide occupational therapists in implementing theory-based, client-engaged goal setting and goal management for adults with chronic conditions in community-based rehabilitation.