Are the goals for children with neuromotor disabilities in Qatar S.M.A.R.T. and meaningful? A retrospective analysis.

Background Goal setting is a foundational element of pediatric rehabilitation, guiding therapeutic planning, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing clinical outcomes. For children with neuromotor disabilities, goals must be both technically sound and personally meaningful—reflecting family priorities and child-centered values. The SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) is widely adopted to improve goal clarity and therapeutic effectiveness, while the F-words for Child Development framework (Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, Future) emphasizes contexts meaningful for the children and their families. Studies on goal analysis of children with neuromotor disabilities from Qatar is very limited. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the quality and meaningfulness of physical therapy goals set for children with neuromotor disabilities in Qatar, using both the SMART elements and the F-words for Child Development framework. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the largest pediatric outpatient physical therapy department in Qatar. Electronic medical records from January to December 2019 were reviewed. A purposive sample of 100 children (between 12 months and 14 years) with neuromotor conditions—including cerebral palsy, developmental delay, Down syndrome, and genetic/metabolic disorders—was selected. A total of 183 goals from 92 children were finally analyzed. Each goal was mapped to identify its alignment with both the S.M.A.R.T and F-words framework. Results Overall adherence to SMART elements was high, particularly for goals that were specific, measurable, achievable, and time-bound. Goals mapped to the Relevant element were inconsistent, possibly reflecting limited family engagement in the goal-setting process. All goals aligned with at least one F-words domain, with Function being the most frequently represented. Domains such as Family, Fun, Fitness, Friends, and Future were notably underutilized. Conclusion While physical therapy goals for children with neuromotor disabilities in Qatar demonstrate strong technical structure, their meaningfulness from a family-centered perspective remains suboptimal. Strengthening family engagement and broadening the application of F-words during the goal-setting process are essential to enhancing family-centered care for children with neuromotor disabilities in Qatar.