title: A multi-site study of the feasibility and clinical utility of Goal Attainment Scaling in geriatric day hospitals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is an individualized goal-setting and measurement approach that is useful for patients with multiple, individualized health problems, such as those served by geriatric day hospitals (GDHs) and other specialized geriatric programmes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the feasibility and utility of GAS in a multi-site study of six GDH affiliated with the Regional Geriatric Programmes of Ontario.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individualized GAS guides were developed for 15 consecutively admitted patients at each site [total n = 90; mean age: 76.2 SD 8.3; 58.9% female; mean attendances: 24.0 SD 10.3]. Staff members (n = 39) were surveyed on their experience with GAS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean goals/patient ranged across sites from 2.1 to 4.3. Mean GAS discharge score was 52.3 SD 8.7, close to the theoretically expected values of 50 SD 10. Common goals included mobility, community reintegration, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, medical issues, cognition/communication, and home safety. Estimated mean time to develop a GAS guide ranged across sites from 15.3 to 43.8 min.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clients were often involved in goal setting; family involvement was less frequent. The staff survey identified challenges and benefits regarding the use of GAS. Study results are being used to inform a more consistent approach to the clinical and research use of GAS in GDH.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. stolee@uwaterloo.ca
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stolee
authors.forename: Marlene
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Awad
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Byrne
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deforge
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Clements
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Glenny
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003631:Day Care, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006040:Goals; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires