Goal attainment scaling in the rehabilitation of patients with lower-extremity amputations: a pilot study.

Abstract

To assess the interrater reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) among patients who have had lower-extremity amputations. Pilot study comparing GAS with 2 functional measures with established reliability, validity, and responsiveness values. Regional amputee program in southwestern Ontario. 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. Not applicable. Subjects were assessed by using GAS, the Barthel Index, and the Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI) of the Prosthetic Profile of the Amputee. 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. This pilot study suggests that GAS is a promising outcome measure for the rehabilitation of patients with lower-extremity amputations.