Taking the next steps in goal ascertainment: a prospective study of patient, team, and family perspectives using a comprehensive standardized menu in a geriatric assessment and treatment unit.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the performance of an expanded menu of goals in a geriatric rehabilitation setting incorporating patient, family, and team perspectives.


METHODS
Prospective comparative study.


METHODS
Inpatient geriatric rehabilitation unit.


METHODS
Nineteen consecutive eligible inpatients and their family members and seven unit team members.


METHODS
Each participant independently reviewed a standardized menu of medical, functional, psychosocial, spiritual, and future planning goals, which were compared with the goals set by the healthcare team.


RESULTS
On average, patients and their family members agreed on goals about half the time; family members tended to have more goals than patients. Agreement between the team and patients and families was poor (kappas=-0.11-0.33). The team was less likely to identify functional, psychosocial, spiritual, and future planning goals.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients and families have a broad range of goals that are not always identified by the healthcare team. A comprehensive standardized menu is feasible and may be helpful in setting goals in a geriatric rehabilitation setting.
Glazier
Sherry R
SR
Providence Center, Geriatric Assessment and Treatment Unit, Regional Geriatric Program, Eastern Services, Toronto, Canada.
Schuman
John
J
Keltz
Esther
E
Vally
Ashnor
A
Glazier
Richard H
RH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*