Evaluation of the long-term effect of selective tibial neurotomy for the treatment of spastic foot using a personal goal-centered approach.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of selective tibial neurotomy (STN) for the treatment of the spastic foot using a goal-centered approach. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2018, adult patients with a spastic foot (regardless of etiology) who received STN followed by a rehabilitation program were included. The primary outcome was the achievement of individual goals defined preoperatively (T0) and compared at 1-year (T1) and 5-year (T5) follow-up by using the Goal Attainment Scaling methodology (T-score). The secondary outcomes were the presence of spastic deformities (equinus, varus, and claw toes), modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score for the targeted muscles, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at T0, T1, and T5. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were included. At T5, 88.7% of patients had achieved their goals at least "as expected." The mean T-score was significantly higher at T1 (62.5 ± 9.5) and T5 (60.6 ± 11.3) than at T0 (37.9 ± 2.8) (p < 0.0001), and the difference between T1 and T5 was not significant (p = 0.2). Compared to T0, deformities (equinus, varus, and claw toes; all p < 0.0001), MAS score (p < 0.0001), and mRS score (p < 0.0001) were significantly improved at T1 and T5. Compared to T1, MAS score increased slightly only at T5 (p = 0.05) but remained largely below the preoperative value. There was no difference between T1 and T5 regarding other clinical parameters (e.g., deformities, walking abilities, mRS score). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that STN associated with a postoperative rehabilitation program can enable patients to successfully achieve personal goals that are sustained within a 5-year follow-up period.

A pilot rating system to evaluate the quality of goal attainment scales used as outcome measures in rehabilitation.

Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a method for writing person-centred approach evaluation scales that can be used as an outcome measure in clinical or research settings in rehabilitation. To be used in a research setting, it requires a high methodological quality approach. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and reliability of the GAS quality rating system, to ensure that GAS scales used as outcome measures are valid and reliable. Secondary objectives were: (1) to compare goal attainment scores' reliability according to how many GAS levels are described in the scale; and (2) to explore if GAS scorings are influenced by who scores goal attainment. The GAS scales analysed here were set collaboratively by 57 cognitively impaired adults clients and their occupational therapist. Goals had to be achieved within an inpatient one-month stay, during which clients participated in an intervention aimed at improving planning skills in daily life. The GAS quality rating system proved to be feasible and reliable. Regarding GAS scores, interrater reliability was higher when only three of the five GAS levels were described, i.e., "three milestone GAS" (0.74-0.92), than when all five levels were described (0.5-0.88), especially when scored by the clients (0.5 -0.88).

Suitability of Goal Attainment Scaling in Older Adult Populations with Neurodegenerative Disease Experiencing Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Identifying responsive outcome measures for assessing functional change related to cognition, communication, and quality of life for individuals with neurodegenerative disease is important for intervention design and clinical care. Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) has been used as an outcome measure to formally develop and systematically measure incremental progress toward functional, patient-centered goals in clinical settings. Evidence suggests that GAS is reliable and feasible for use in older adult populations and in adult populations with cognitive impairment, but no review has assessed the suitability of GAS in older adults with neurodegenerative disease experiencing dementia or cognitive impairment, based on responsiveness. This study conducted a systematic review to evaluate the suitability of GAS as an outcome measure for older adult populations with neurodegenerative disease experiencing dementia or cognitive impairment, based on responsiveness. METHODS: The review was registered with PROSPERO and performed by searching ten electronic scientific databases (PubMed, Medline OVID, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, OTSeeker, REHABDATA) and four registries (Clinicaltrials.gov, Grey Literature Report, Mednar, OpenGrey). A summary measure of responsiveness (post-intervention minus pre-intervention mean GAS T-score) was compared across eligible studies using a random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies with No Control Group. RESULTS: 882 eligible articles were identified and screened by two independent reviewers. Ten studies met inclusion criteria for the final analysis. Of the ten included reports, 3 focus on all-cause dementia, 3 on multiple sclerosis, 1 on Parkinson's disease, 1 on mild cognitive impairment, 1 on Alzheimer's disease, and 1 on primary progressive aphasia. Responsiveness analyses showed pre- and post-intervention GAS goals were significantly different from zero (Z = 7.48, p < 0.001), with post-intervention GAS scores being higher than pre-intervention GAS scores. Three included studies showed a high risk of bias, 3 showed a moderate risk of bias, and 4 showed a low risk of bias. Overall risk of bias of included studies was rated as moderate. CONCLUSION: GAS showed an improvement in goal attainment across different dementia patient populations and intervention types. The overall moderate risk of bias suggests that while bias is present across included studies (e.g., small sample size, unblinded assessors), the observed effect likely represents the true effect. This suggests that GAS is responsive to functional change and may be suitable for use in older adult populations with neurodegenerative disease experiencing dementia or cognitive impairment.

Elbow flexion contractures in neonatal brachial plexus palsy: A one-year comparison of dynamic orthosis and serial casting.

OBJECTIVE: Elbow flexion contractures are common complications of neonatal brachial plexus palsy, but evidence on how to treat these contractures is weak. This study compared the treatment of elbow flexion contractures using a dynamic orthosis or serial circular casting. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with one-year follow-up. Children with an elbow flexion contracture of ≥30° were treated with either a night-worn dynamic orthosis for one year or serial casting for four weeks followed by night splinting. For pragmatic reasons, some participants were included in an open part of this study, this group was also analyzed separately. Degree of contracture and goal attainment scaling was evaluated at baseline and after 8, 20 and 54 weeks. RESULTS: 55 patients were analyzed in this trial, 32 of whom were randomized to treatment. At one-year follow-up of the randomized group, both dynamic splinting (median -8.5°, interquartile range [IQR] -13.5, -5) and serial casting (median -11.0°, IQR -16, -5) resulted in significant reduction of contracture (P < 0.001). The reduction was significantly greater with serial casting in the first 20 weeks, but not at one-year follow-up (P = 0.683). In the entire cohort, the individual functional goals had been reached in 24 out of 32 cases (80%) of dynamic splinting and 18 out of 23 cases (82%) of serial casting, respectively. CONCLUSION: The dynamic night orthosis is comparable to serial casting for treating elbow flexion contractures in children with brachial plexus birth injury. We recommend selecting one of these treatment modalities in close consultation with parents and patients.

Goal attainment of children with cerebral palsy participating in multi-modal intervention.

AIM: We aimed to determine if there was a significant difference in the functional performance of family requested daily tasks by a heterogeneous group of children with cerebral palsy following a programme of neuro-developmental treatment and in comparison to a randomly control group. BACKGROUND: There are considerable challenges in conducting research into the functional performance of children with cerebral palsy. These include the highly heterogeneous nature of the population group, poor ecological and treatment fidelity, floor and ceiling effects in assessments, and insensitivity to the diverse functional needs and goals of children and families. Therapists and families identified functional goals and specified all aspects of performance details for each goal on five point goal attainment scales. Children with cerebral palsy were assigned randomly to treatment and alternate treatment groups. Children were video recorded attempting to perform targeted functional skills at pre-test, post-pest and follow-up. Videos were recorded and rated by expert clinicians blind to experimental condition. RESULTS: After the first round of target intervention and alternate treatment had been completed, a significant difference in the goal attainment was noted between the control group and the treatment group at the post test, indicating that intervention was associated with a higher level of goal attainment than that attained by the control group (p = 0.0321) with a large effect size. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided evidence of an effective way to investigate and to enhance the available motor capacity of children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy during participation in requested daily task performance, as reflected in goal attainment. Goal attainment scales were a reliable measure that was able to be used to detect changes in functional goals among a highly heterogeneous population group with individualized goals that were meaningful to each child and family.

What is the effect of personalized cognitive strategy instruction on facilitating return-to-learn for individuals experiencing prolonged concussion symptoms?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree to which personalized cognitive strategy instruction (PCSI) assisted students with prolonged concussion symptoms (PCS) to achieve functional and academic-related goals. It was hypothesized that goal attainment on collaboratively developed functional goals and selected scores on the pre/post outcome measurements would improve following the delivery of PCSI. A non-concurrent multiple baseline design was utilized across three female participants ages 13-16. The weekly status tracking measurement of participant performance served as the primary measurement analysed to determine the existence of a functional relation between the addition of PCSI to psychoeducation and the achievement of participant outcome. Although visual analysis of the plotted status tracking data did not support the existence of a functional relation, all three participants met or exceeded functional goals on their goal attainment scales. A Tau-U analysis supported a small treatment effect. The positive response to the intervention from two of the three participants in addition to goal attainment for all three participants suggests PCSI has potential to mitigate cognitive challenges in adolescents with PCS. Implications for future research and methods to promote ecological measurement of intervention effects are discussed.

The GOAL-Hem journey: Shared decision making and patient-centred outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: GOAL-Hem is a novel, haemophilia-specific, patient-centred outcome measure (PCOM) based on goal attainment scaling, allowing people with haemophilia (PwH) to set and monitor the attainment of individualized goals for treatment. AIM: To provide a thorough overview of the creation, validation, and development of GOAL-Hem. METHODS: Clinician workshops were held to develop a haemophilia-specific goal menu. Qualitative data from semistructured interviews with PwH and their caregivers guided further revisions to the goal menu (i.e., goal domains and descriptors). A feasibility study was performed including a 12-week, prospective, noninterventional evaluation involving clinicians and PwH at four US haemophilia treatment centres. Finally, the Patient Voice Study gathered feedback from PwH and their caregivers via an online survey, interviews, and a focus group. RESULTS: The feasibility study validated GOAL-Hem with successful outcomes in construct/content validity and responsiveness, including a large effect in patient- and clinician-rated goal attainments. The Patient Voice Study led to significant refinement of GOAL-Hem goals and descriptors, resulting in a more straightforward and relatable menu for PwH and their caregivers. Overall, GOAL-Hem captured qualitative data in areas important to PwH and employed quantitative methods to evaluate meaningful changes in those areas. The individualized tool was well equipped to handle the complex and chronic nature of haemophilia and was endorsed by PwH, their caregivers, and clinicians. CONCLUSION: The GOAL-Hem development journey may serve as a roadmap for other PCOMs in a variety of settings, including clinical studies, haemophilia treatment centres for care planning, and as a tool to gather real-world evidence.

A Patient-Centric Tool to Facilitate Goal Attainment Scaling in Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Path to Individualization.

OBJECTIVES: People with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction experience diverse challenges that can be difficult to evaluate with standardized outcome measures. Goal attainment scaling (GAS) is an individualized, patient-centric outcome measure that enables patients/caregivers to identify and track their own treatment goals. Because creating goals de novo can be cumbersome, we aimed to develop a neurogenic bladder/bowel dysfunction goal menu to facilitate goal attainment scaling uptake and use. METHODS: We conducted a workshop with 6 expert clinicians to develop an initial menu. Individual interviews with 12 people living with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction and 2 clinician panels with 5 additional experts aided us in refining the menu. A thematic framework analysis identified emergent themes for analysis and reporting. RESULTS: Interview participants were adults (median = 36 years, range 25-58), most with spinal cord injury (75%; 9/12). Of 24 goals identified initially, 2 (8%) were not endorsed and were removed, and 3 goals were added. Most participants listed "Impact on Life" goals (eg, Exercise, Emotional Well-Being) among their 5 most important goals (58%; 35/60). Three main themes emerged: challenges posed by incontinence, limitations on everyday life, and need for personalized care. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a clinical outcome assessment tool following a multistep process of representative stakeholder engagement. This patient-centric tool consists of 25 goals specific to people living with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction. Asking people what matters most to them can identify important constructs that clinicians might have overlooked.

The Dementia Early Stage Cognitive Aids New Trial (DESCANT) intervention: A goal attainment scaling approach to promote self-management.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated goals identified by people with dementia and their carers to promote the self-management of symptoms and abilities; measured achievement using goal attainment scaling (GAS); and explored the reflections of Dementia Support Practitioners (DSPs) facilitating it. METHODS AND DESIGN: Within this pragmatic randomised trial, DSPs gave memory aids, training and support to people with mild to moderate dementia and their carers at home. Data were collected across seven NHS Trusts in England and Wales (2016-2018) and abstracted from intervention records and semi-structured interviews with DSPs delivering the intervention, supplemented by a subset of the trial dataset. Measures were created to permit quantification and descriptive analysis and interview data thematically analysed. A GAS measure for this intervention in this client group was derived. RESULTS: Engagement was high across the 117 participants and 293 goals were identified. These reflected individual circumstances and needs and enabled classification and assessment of their attainment. Seventeen goal types were identified across six domains: self-care, household tasks, daily occupation, orientation, communication, and well-being and safety. On average participants achieved nominally significant improvement regarding the specified goals of 1.4 with standard deviation of 0.6. Five interviews suggested that DSPs' experiences of goal setting were also positive. CONCLUSIONS: GAS is useful for assessing psychosocial interventions for people with early-stage dementia. It has a utility in identifying goals, promoting self-management and providing a personalised outcome measure. There is a strong case for exploring whether these clear benefits translate to other interventions in other populations in other places.

Determining the effect of tele-rehabilitation on patients with stutter using the goal attainment scaling (GAS).

BACKGROUND: Lack of proper and timely patients' access to speech pathologists can affect the treatment and follow-up process; therefore, patients do not achieve the expected therapeutic goals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tele-rehabilitation on the stuttering patients using the goal attainment scaling (GAS). METHODS: This interventional study was carried out on patients who visited the rehabilitation centers affiliated to the Jahrom Welfare Office. They underwent remote speech therapy using Skype. To evaluate the treatment outcomes of the stuttering patients, GAS was used. RESULTS: The participants' speech and lingual skills improved using videoconferencing. The mean score of total GAS for patients was 53.08. Of 112 health goals, patients reached the expected or higher than expected levels in 78 goals. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation through video conferencing was effective for patients with stuttering, improved their speech, and decreased their stuttering. Since, application of remote rehabilitation services can provide regular access to healthcare services, it can lead to improving patient treatment provide more frequent and faster treatment follow-up.

The Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change (Plus caregiver input) and goal attainment in two dementia drug trials: Clinical meaningfulness and the initial treatment response.

INTRODUCTION: The Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change Plus caregiver input (CIBIC-Plus) has been widely used in dementia drug trials to evaluate cognition, behavior, and function. New trials of symptomatic drugs forecast renewed interest in this measure. METHODS: To test its clinical meaningfulness, we examined how CIBIC-Plus performed in two cholinesterase inhibitor trials compared to goal attainment scaling Scale (GAS) scores, a patient-reported outcome measure. RESULTS: Net goal attainment was seen for all but one GAS domains in subjects who improved on the CIBIC-Plus. Subjects who improved initially on CIBIC-Plus scores were likely to remain improved across all other outcomes for each trial's duration, except for Disability Assessment for Dementia scores. DISCUSSION: The initial response to treatment, as assessed by CIBIC-Plus, remained stable for most outcome measures. Even small CIBIC-Plus improvement changes are associated with clinically meaningful change as assessed by GAS. Other tests detect decline better than improvement.

Goal attainment scaling as an outcome measure in rare disease trials: a conceptual proposal for validation.

BACKGROUND: Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is an instrument that is intended to evaluate the effect of an intervention by assessing change in daily life activities on an individual basis. However, GAS has not been validated adequately in an RCT setting. In this paper we propose a conceptual validation plan of GAS in the setting of rare disease drug trials, and describe a hypothetical trial where GAS could be validated. METHODS: We have used the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) taxonomy to deduce which measurement properties of GAS can be evaluated, and how. As individual GAS scores cannot be interpreted outside the context of a RCT, the validation of GAS needs to be done on trial as well as on individual level. RESULTS: The procedure of GAS consists of three steps. For the step of goal selection (step 1) and definition of levels of attainment (step 2), face validity may be assessed by clinical experts. For the evaluation of the goal attainment (step 3), the inter and intra rater reliability can be evaluated on an individual level. Construct validity may be evaluated by comparison with change scores on other instruments measuring in the same domain as particular goals, if available, and by testing hypotheses about differences between groups. A difference in mean GAS scores between a group who received an efficacious intervention and a control group is an indication of well-chosen goals, and corroborates construct validity of GAS on trial level. Responsiveness of GAS cannot be evaluated due to the nature of the construct being assessed. CONCLUSION: GAS may be useful as an instrument to assess functional change as an outcome measure in heterogeneous chronic rare diseases, but it can only be interpreted and validated when used in RCTs with blinded outcome assessment. This proposed theoretical validation plan can be used as a starting point to validate GAS in specific conditions.

Botulinum Toxin Type A Improves Function According to Goal Attainment in Adults with Poststroke Lower Limb Spasticity in Real Life Practice.

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for adult lower limb spasticity. However, data are inadequate to determine BoNT-A efficacy for active function. This study evaluated functional goal achievement (measured by goal attainment scaling [GAS]) following lower limb BoNT-A injection in clinical practice. METHODS: Phase 4, postmarketing, multicenter, prospective, observational study (NCT01444794) in adults with poststroke lower limb spasticity receiving one BoNT-A injection cycle. Assessments were at baseline (pretreatment), 1 month ±7 days (visit 1), and 3-5 months posttreatment (visit 2). Primary outcome measure was GAS; additional assessments included Modified Ashworth Scale, Demeurisse Motricity Index, 10-meter walk test, and Disability Assessment Scale. RESULTS: Of 100 enrolled patients, 94 completed the study. Most common primary treatment goals at baseline were improving mobility (57.5%) and positioning (18.1%). At visit 2, 88.3% achieved their primary goal; 87.0% (n = 47/54) for mobility, and 100.0% (n = 17/17) for positioning. In total, 79.1% of patients achieved their secondary goals. Two factors were predictive of primary goal achievement: time since stroke onset (OR 0.907; 95% CI 0.827-0.995; p = 0.038); and absence of stiff knee spasticity pattern (OR 0.228; 95% CI 0.057-0.911; p = 0.036). All functional scales showed improvements; walking speed (mean [SD]) improved by 0.06 (0.13) and 0.05 (0.20) m/s at visits 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: BoNT-A injection for lower limb spasticity led to high goal achievement rates in patient-centered GAS evaluation and functional and symptomatic improvements. BoNT-A may therefore deliver clinically meaningful functional improvements in real-life practice.

Setting and achieving individualized social communication goals for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) within a group treatment.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive-communication disorders are common following an acquired brain injury (ABI). Remediation should involve individualized goal-setting, yet few reports describe the effectiveness of setting communication goals in a group setting. AIMS: To describe a process for setting and achieving goals for people with ABI. METHODS & PROCEDURES: A total of 21 participants with ABI participated in a group treatment (triads and dyads) over 6 weeks (20 h in total). Specific social communication goals were set using goal attainment scaling (GAS) with the participant and their communication partner. Goals targeted strategy use that accounted for existing cognitive abilities. The participant and their communication partner evaluated the goals post-treatment and 6-8 weeks later. Data were analysed using Friedman's test to identify the achievement of GAS goals. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: A total of 20 participants recalled goals independently post-treatment. Significant improvement post-treatment on GAS goals was rated by both the participant (p < 0.001) and their communication partner (p < 0.001). This improvement was maintained at follow-up. No significant differences in ratings were found between participants and their communication partners at either time point. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: Individualized social communication goals can be set and achieved for people with ABI in group treatment, even when participants are several years post-injury. GAS offers a method for structuring and quantifying goal progress. Involving communication partners and cognitive strategies were effective in improving communication.

Comparable achievement of client-identified, self-rated goals in intervention and no-intervention groups: reevaluating the use of Goal Attainment Scaling as an outcome measure.

Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is widely used as a measure of client-centered outcomes in clinical interventions. There are few well-controlled studies using GAS, however, and this limits the conclusions that can be drawn about the determinants of goal attainment post-intervention. In collaboration with researchers, 67- community-dwelling older adults used GAS to establish individualised goals for lifestyle change and memory strategy use in a randomised controlled trial of a multidimensional memory program (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02087137). Participants were allocated to an intervention or no-contact control group. Goal attainment was self-rated by participants at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and six-week follow-up. A mixed-model analysis of variance revealed a main effect of time, but no main effect of group and no interaction between time and group. In both the intervention and control groups, respectively, T-scores increased from baseline (Ms = 37 and 37) to post-intervention (Ms = 52 and 50) and were stable at follow-up (Ms = 52 and 51). Results were similar using ordinal data interpretation. Comparable goal attainment in participants receiving intervention versus no intervention underscores the importance of control groups in evaluation studies utilising GAS as an outcome measure, and supports a possible therapeutic contribution of setting and rating goals with GAS.

Activities of daily living retraining and goal attainment during posttraumatic amnesia.

It is uncertain whether therapy delivered during posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) following traumatic brain injury can be effective due to risk of agitation and poor learning capacity. This study used goal attainment scaling (GAS) to assess gains in activities of daily living (ADL) retraining during PTA. Occupational therapists' perspectives on goal setting and therapy delivery were also explored qualitatively. Forty-nine rehabilitation inpatients were provided with manualised ADL retraining following errorless and procedural learning principles during PTA. From 104 GAS goals, 90% were achieved at PTA emergence. GAS T-scores changed significantly (p < .001) from baseline (M = 26.94, SD = 4.90) to post-intervention (M = 61.44, SD = 11.45). Mean post-intervention T-scores correlated significantly (p < .001) with change in Functional Independence Measure scores. The four therapists reported that GAS was unfamiliar and time-consuming initially, although it aided goal-directed therapy and measurement of patient performance. Application of manualised skill retraining using errorless and procedural learning techniques was described as novel and challenging, but providing valuable structure. The intervention reportedly promoted therapeutic alliance, skill-building and meaningful time-use without elevating agitation, but fatigue impeded therapy. Overall, GAS captured positive individual change following ADL retraining during PTA and therapists indicated that the intervention and use of GAS was generally beneficial and feasible within clinical practice.

Goal Attainment Scaling for haemophilia (GAS-Hem): testing the feasibility of a new patient-centric outcome measure in people with haemophilia.

INTRODUCTION: To address the need for a patient-reported outcome that can measure clinically and personally meaningful change in people with haemophilia (PwH) on prophylaxis, an approach based on Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) was developed: the GAS-Hem. AIM: To establish real-world feasibility of GAS-Hem in PwH. METHODS: Patients aged 5-65 years were enroled from four North American centres for a 12-week study. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants who completed GAS-Hem interviews at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. GAS-Hem scores were obtained by subject- and clinician-rated goal attainment at Weeks 6 and 12, and compared with quality of life (QoL) measures and annualized bleed rate (ABR) for construct validity. Goals were evaluated qualitatively for content validity. Responsiveness was calculated using standardized response means (SRM). RESULTS: Forty-two participants set 63 goals. Participants preferred to define (37/63) their own goals or further individualize (23/63) from the GAS-Hem menu. Thirty of the 37 self-defined goals were matched to goals on the GAS-Hem menu. The most common goal areas were: weight, exercise and nutrition (n = 17); leisure activities (n = 8); and joint problems (n = 7). Both participant- and clinician-rated GAS-Hem scores at 6 weeks (n = 40) and 12 weeks (n = 41) demonstrated satisfactory goal attainment (SRM [subject-rated] at 12 weeks for adult and paediatric groups was 1.25 and 1.16, respectively). Correlations of GAS-Hem scores with QoL measures and ABR were uniformly small. CONCLUSION: GAS-Hem was feasible and tapped constructs not captured by ABR or QoL measures.

DREAMeR: Drug use Reconsidered in the Elderly using goal Attainment scales during Medication Review; study protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinical medication reviews (CMR) are increasingly performed in older patients with polypharmacy. Studies have shown positive effects of CMR on process- and intermediate outcomes, like drug-related problems (DRPs). Little effect has been shown on clinical outcomes, like hospital admissions or health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). In particular, HR-QoL is related to the individual health-related goals and complaints of patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a CMR focused on personal goals on HR-QoL and health-related complaints in older patients with polypharmacy. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial will be performed in 35 Dutch community pharmacies aiming to include 630 patients aged 70 years and older using seven or more chronic drugs. Patients will be randomly assigned to control or intervention group by block-randomisation per pharmacy. Patients in the intervention group receive a CMR focused on patients' preferences, personal goals and health-related complaints. With every goal a goal attainment scale (GAS) will be proposed. Primary outcome measures are HR-QoL, measured with the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS and the number of health-related complaints per patient measured with a written questionnaire, during a follow-up period of six months. Secondary outcomes are healthcare utilisation, number and type of drug changes, number and type of health-related goals, scores on GAS and number and type of DRPs and interventions. DISCUSSION: This study is expected to add evidence on the effects of a CMR on HR-QoL and health-related complaints in older patients with polypharmacy. New in this study is the use of personal goals measured with GAS and health-related complaints as patient-related outcome measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register; NTR5713 .

Quality of goal setting in pediatric rehabilitation-A SMART approach.

BACKGROUND: Setting goals for treatment is often the core of the rehabilitation process. The quality of the set goals has however rarely been evaluated. The aims of this study were therefore to assess the quality of goals set in clinical practice of pediatric rehabilitation using SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timed) and to assess if the goals were considered relevant from both a client perspective and expertise perspective. METHODS: In a retrospective multicase study, a total of 161 goals from 42 children with disabilities (cerebral palsy, n = 22; Down syndrome, n = 16; and developmental disability, n = 4) were assessed. The children were 1.5-5.5 years and had previously participated in goal-directed, activity-focused therapy at four pediatric rehabilitation centers. Collaborative goal setting had been used to define the desired treatment outcome. The quality of the goals was assessed using defined SMART criteria. RESULTS: Specific: All goals could be reliably linked to International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth version chapters within the Activity/Participation domain. Measurable: A total of 75% of the goals were rated as having a well-defined scaling; in 20%, the scaling was less clear, and in 5%, a scaling could not be determined. Achievable: A total of 80% of the goals were attained. Relevant: All goals were set in collaboration with the family and could therefore be considered relevant from a client perspective. Relevancy judged from a professional perspective was strengthened by the fact that age, baseline status, and diagnosis had an influence on the choice of goals. Timed: All goals were set within a specific time frame. CONCLUSIONS: The goals set in clinical practice showed high quality with respect to the SMART criteria. The most difficult part was the construction of the goal attainment scale. The goals settled in clinical practice were considered relevant from both a client perspective and expertise perspective.

The feasibility of goal attainment scaling to measure case resolution in elder abuse and neglect adult protective services intervention.

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study describes implementation procedures of goal attainment scaling (GAS) and examines the feasibility of using GAS to measure the multifarious intervention outcome of case resolution in elder mistreatment (EM) adult protective services (APS). METHODS: Substantiated EM victims (n = 27) were recruited prospectively from the State of Maine APS. An adapted GAS approach was implemented involving development of a pre-populated goal scale menu and web-based GAS application. RESULTS: The GAS menu comprised 18 goals and corresponding scales spanning several domains of case resolution: social support, service access, health/functioning, enhancing independence, and protective measures. The overall GAS process had mean length 33.8 min per case. The mean GAS summary t-score (54.3) aligned with theoretical expectations. DISCUSSION: Without a measure of case resolution, research cannot compare the effectiveness of different EM intervention models. Findings suggest that GAS is a feasible, client-centered strategy to measure the multifarious EM intervention case resolution outcome.