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

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

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