Evaluating the feasibility of Goal Attainment Scaling as a rehabilitation outcome measure for veterans

Abstract

The increasing number of veterans with complex health conditions accessing rehabilitation leads to the need for an outcome measure that identifies success in areas beyond return to work. The current study was designed to assess the feasibility of goal attainment scaling as a routine measure of outcomes of rehabilitation. Fifteen organisations contracted by the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs to work with veterans were invited to trial goal attainment scaling. Training was provided to rehabilitation professionals, and existing documentation was modified by the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs to introduce the goal attainment scaling approach. Analysis of the use of goal attainment scaling supported the feasibility and potential usefulness of the tool in a veteran population. Rehabilitation providers set goals across a range of domains including medical, psychological, social, as well as return to work. The quality of the goals and the outcome measures was generally good. The goal attainment scaling approach was seen to support a client-focussed approach to rehabilitation. Data obtained through the use of goal attainment scaling can be summarised at different levels to be useful for clients, providers, rehabilitation coordinators, and senior executives to monitor and report on the overall success of the different types of rehabilitation provided to veteran clients.