Goal attainment scaling in the rehabilitation of patients with lower-extremity amputations: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the interrater reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) among patients who have had lower-extremity amputations.


METHODS
Pilot study comparing GAS with 2 functional measures with established reliability, validity, and responsiveness values.


METHODS
Regional amputee program in southwestern Ontario.


METHODS
Ten patients (6 women, 4 men; mean age +/- standard deviation, 72.3+/-10.7 y) with unilateral lower-extremity amputations who were consecutively admitted to a regional amputee program. The ratio of transtibial to transfemoral amputations was 6:4.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Subjects were assessed by using GAS, the Barthel Index, and the Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI) of the Prosthetic Profile of the Amputee.


RESULTS
The interrater reliability of GAS was r=.67, and 63% of goals developed were identified independently by both investigators. The construct validity between GAS and the Barthel Index and the LCI was r=.44 and r=.35, respectively. GAS was more responsive than both the Barthel Index and the LCI, as indicated by the calculation of effect sizes and relative efficiencies.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study suggests that GAS is a promising outcome measure for the rehabilitation of patients with lower-extremity amputations.
Rushton
Paula W
PW
School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont, Canada. pwrushton@hotmail.com
Miller
William C
WC
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016896:Treatment Outcome