Exploring readiness to patient-centered goal-setting in stroke Rehabilitation—A qualitative study

You are that blitheringly stupid that you don't know that every survivors goal is 100% recovery? Have you never talked to survivors? The stupidity displayed is amazing,; congratulations!

 Exploring readiness to patient-centered goal-setting in stroke Rehabilitation—A qualitative study

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André Vieira

,

Carla Mendes Pereira

&

Ana Rita Goes

Received 28 Nov 2025, Accepted 05 Aug 2026, Published online: 18 Aug 2026

• Cite this article
• https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2716825
  
  

André Vieira

,

Carla Mendes Pereira

&

Ana Rita Goes

Received 28 Nov 2025,

Accepted 05 Aug 2026, Published online: 18 Aug 2026 

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore perspectives of stroke survivors, caregivers, and physiotherapists on goal-setting in stroke rehabilitation.

Materials and methods

A qualitative study included in-depth interviews with 15 stroke survivors and seven caregivers and four focus groups with 16 physiotherapists. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

An overarching theme “Readiness to patient-centered goal-setting in physiotherapy” emerged, reflecting goal-setting as a clinician-led process with limited involvement of stroke survivors and caregivers.(You've got this completely backwards, survivors set the goals; CLINICIANS SHOULD COMPETENTLY DELIVER THEM!) Four themes were identified: a) Attitudes and perceived roles regarding goal-setting throughout rehabilitation, (b) Uncertainty as a barrier to goal-setting, (c) Strategies and challenges in communicating goals, and (d) Health system and policies challenges to person-centered goal-setting. While physiotherapists recognized the importance of patient involvement, goal-setting was often implicit, informal, and constrained by individual, organizational, and systemic factors.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a systemic lack of preparedness for implementing person-centered goal-setting in post-stroke physiotherapy. Addressing this gap may require structured approaches that combine training, communication strategies, and organizational support to promote collaborative goal-setting and enhance stroke survivors’ and caregivers’ engagement in rehabilitation planning. Further research should focus on testing and refining theory-informed behavior change and implementation strategies to support the uptake of person-centered goal-setting practices.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Uncertainty about prognosis after stroke and prevailing clinician-centered attitudes toward goal-setting may limit its consistent use in rehabilitation practice.

• A lack of effective strategies from physiotherapists and healthcare organizations prevents stroke survivors and their caregivers from taking charge of their rehabilitation, including goal-setting and achievement.

• To promote patient-centered practices, it is crucial to advocate physiotherapists to involve stroke survivors and their caregivers more in rehabilitation goal-setting and achievement.

• Strategies that facilitate shared and tailored goal-setting during stroke rehabilitation should be developed and implemented in physiotherapy services.