Factors affecting the strengthening of collaborative partnerships in occupational therapy: A prospective study of client-centred goal setting

Introduction: A client-centred approach ensures that individuals can express what’s most important to them, with therapists providing collaborative support. This study examined factors influencing the quality of collaborative relationships between clients and occupational therapists and explored how the strength of these relationships affects therapy outcomes. Method: A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted at day care centres across Japan, with participants followed for 1 year. Occupational therapists delivered occupational therapy guided by a client-centred approach. Outcomes, including daily activities and health-related quality of life, were measured before and after the intervention. The Collaborative Relationship Scale (CRS) was used to assess baseline relationship quality. Results: Among 101 participants (aged 47–93 years), CRS scores categorised them into good, neutral, and poor relationship groups. Logistic regression revealed that goal achievement and clients’ understanding of occupational therapy were associated with relationship quality. Over 50% of participants in the good relationship group had activities of daily living goals, whereas more than 50% in the poor relationship group had mobility goals. Conclusion: Strong collaborative relationships may positively influence occupational therapy processes and outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of goal setting within occupational therapy guided by a client-centred approach in enhancing therapeutic relationships.