Individualized outcome measures for evaluating life skill groups for children with disabilities.
BACKGROUND
The challenge of evaluating life skill groups is the need to assess skills reflecting the priorities and abilities of the individuals as well as the program focus.


OBJECTIVE
This study describes the feasibility and utility of goal menus and individualized outcome measures in two life skill groups for children with disabilities.


METHODS
Eleven children were evaluated at baseline and 5 weeks post-program using a modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and modified Goal Attainment Scaling (mod-GAS).


RESULTS
COPM satisfaction median scores across all goals increased post-program by 3.0 points (P=0.001) and performance scores by 1.0 point (P=0.002). Mod-GAS scores for all participants were at least -1 (partial achievement), and 55% of participants achieved their functional goal (Mod-GAS = 0) with carryover into their community environments.


CONCLUSIONS
This study supports the positive contribution of individualized measures to evaluate outcomes within life skill programs for children with disabilities.
Di Rezze
Briano
B
School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. direzzbm@mcmaster.ca
Wright
Virginia
V
Curran
C J
CJ
Campbell
Kent A
KA
Macarthur
Colin
C
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D055815:Young Adult