Practices and Processes Supporting Goal Setting in Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review

Background Goal setting is a core component of occupational therapy. There is lack of clarity and consistency in the practices adopted by occupational therapists when goal setting with people accessing their services. Purpose This scoping review explored goal setting approaches, tools, and processes described in current occupational therapy research. Methods English, peer-reviewed articles published between January 2000 and June 2024 with a focus on goal setting by occupational therapists were retrieved from CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Nursing and Allied Health databases. The results were presented descriptively and thematically. Findings Ninety-eight studies were included. While approaches and frameworks varied, collaborative (32%) and client-determined (49%) goal settings were commonly reported. Tools included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (31%), Goal Attainment Scaling (17%), and Aid for Decision-making in Occupation Choice (10%). A number of supporting processes are utilized by occupational therapists to facilitate goal setting practice. Conclusions There is high variability in goal setting practices in occupational therapy research, often without theoretical underpinnings explicitly guiding tool and process adoption or research related to therapy outcomes. Significance Identifying strengths and gaps in goal setting practices promotes more effective approaches to goal setting with people accessing occupational therapy services.