THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CLINICIAN: A CRITICAL FACTOR FOR COLLABORATIVE GOAL SETTING DISCUSSIONS ACCORDING TO PATIENTS

Purpose: Patient engagement is one method for improving health outcomes and collaborative goal setting has been one proposed strategy to engage patients in healthcare discussions. However, little research has been done to examine patient perceptions of what needs to occur for a goal to be considered collaborative. The purpose of this study was to explore patient definitions of collaborative goal setting. 

Method(s): A total of four focus groups were conducted among patients with diabetes. A semi-structured focus group guide was used to explore patient perceptions of collaborative goal setting and reports of what needed to happen for goals to be considered collaboratively set. Focus group transcripts were coded using thematic analysis and recruitment continued until theoretical saturation was reached.

Result(s): Participants described collaborative goal setting as an ongoing process that contained multiple domains. One theme of note was the importance of having a good relationship with their clinician. Similar to previous findings, the time the clinician spent with the patient was a critical factor in the perceptions of caring. Participants felt that when they were rushed, this was a direct reflection of how much their clinician cared about them as a patient. Also of note was the necessity for both the patient and the clinician to be honest with one another, whether in regards to feasibility or practicality. Finally, participants wanted the clinician to show they cared by inquiring about their personal lives and maintenance of care.

Conclusion(s): While collaborative goal setting is a strategy to engage patients, other environmental factors still play a critical role in this process. The personal relationship between patients and clinicians remains a key factor in decision making and healthcare discussions alike. Future studies focused on improving the relationship between the patient and the clinician surrounding collaborative goal setting would help emphasize the benefit of this relationship.