Expert consensus on optimal goal-setting practices for caregivers of children with a disability or delay: an international Delphi consensus study

PURPOSE: To support greater consistency in collaborative goal setting with caregivers, this study aimed to gain expert consensus from allied health professionals on goal setting practices for use with caregivers of children with a disability or delay. METHOD: Expert pediatric allied health clinicians, academics, and researchers were recruited for the three-round e-Delphi survey. Round 1 included open-ended questions on collaborative goal-setting frameworks, procedural steps, clinical tools, and strategies. Round 1 data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Items in Rounds 2 and 3 were rated on a seven-point Likert scale to establish consensus and analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Thirty-nine experts participated. All strategies (100% of items) recommended for use with any caregiver, as well as for caregivers with communicative or cognitive difficulties, reached consensus. Participants strongly agreed on a majority (74% of items) of procedural steps to guide goal setting with caregivers and children. Fewer items met consensus for frameworks (12%) and clinical tools (9%). CONCLUSION: Expert recommendations provide a practical foundation for developing clinical education, resources, and service pathways that support allied health professionals to consistently involve caregivers in goal setting. Future research should evaluate the impact of collaborative approaches on outcomes from child and caregiver perspectives.