The use of goal attainment scaling in neuropsychological rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE

The overall objective was to apply the goal attainment scaling (GAS) in neuropsychological rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS). The specific aims were to evaluate whether (1) GAS-rated goals are attained; (2) attaining goals is related to standardized rehabilitation outcome measures; and (3) GAS-rated goals can be mapped to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).

METHOD

56 relapsing-remitting MS patients received neuropsychological rehabilitation conducted once a week for 13 consecutive weeks. The attainment of GAS-rated personal goals and the association between achievement of goals and standardized rehabilitation outcome were evaluated. Moreover, GAS-rated goals were mapped to the ICF.

RESULTS

Median (interquartile range) GAS attainment T-score was 56.0 (50.0-62.0); 88.8% of personal goals set were fully achieved. The attainment of goals was not significantly associated with the outcome in majority of the standardized measures. Of the 182 meaningful concepts identified in the goals, 181 could be mapped to the ICF.

CONCLUSIONS

GAS seems to be an appropriate outcome measure in neuropsychological rehabilitation in MS. GAS-rated personal goals were well achieved, and GAS was found to tap changes not covered with standardized outcome measures. Implications for Rehabilitation GAS seems to be an appropriate outcome measure in neuropsychological rehabilitation in MS. GAS-rated personal goals were well achieved, and GAS was found to tap changes in the areas not covered with standardized outcome measures. GAS seems to offer a possibility to take into account the specific needs of each individual patient. The ICF can be used to classify goals in neuropsychological rehabilitation in MS.