Module 4 – Occupational Goal Setting, Intervention Planning and Outcome Measurement

Assistance animals should be recommended because they support meaningful occupational outcomes, not simply because they perform tasks.

This module focuses on translating assessment findings into meaningful goals and measurable outcomes. Learners will explore the relationship between occupational goals and assistance animal tasks, recognising that tasks must have a clear connection to disability-related functional needs.

The module introduces outcome-based goal setting approaches, including SMART goals, shared decision-making and measurement of participation, function and quality of life outcomes.

Learners will also explore risk–benefit analysis to determine whether an assistance animal represents the most appropriate, least restrictive and sustainable intervention option.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, learners will be able to:

1. Differentiate occupational goals from assistance animal tasks.
2. Develop meaningful, measurable and occupation-focused goals for assistance animal interventions.
3. Evaluate whether proposed assistance animal tasks address identified functional barriers.
4. Apply shared decision-making principles when establishing intervention goals.
5. Measure assistance animal outcomes using participation, function and quality-of-life indicators.
6. Critically analyse risks, benefits and alternatives when determining intervention suitability.