GAS
Pronunciation: G-A-S (spell out)
Also written as: GAS — Goal Attainment Scaling
Acronym for Goal Attainment Scaling, a method of quantifying individualised rehabilitation outcomes by scoring progress against pre-set, patient-specific goals on a standardised scale.
Full Definition
GAS is used in geriatric rehabilitation to measure the degree to which individually tailored goals have been achieved, using a five-point scale ranging from much less than expected (−2) to much better than expected (+2), with the expected level of achievement set at 0. Unlike standardised assessments, GAS captures goals that are unique to the individual patient. Editors should note that GAS as a standalone acronym may conflict with other medical acronyms (e.g., 'GAS' meaning Group A Streptococcus); context must always be checked. The full form 'Goal Attainment Scaling' should appear on first use in any clinical document.
Usage
Usage note: Always expand on first use due to acronym collision with Group A Streptococcus. Ensure the scoring direction (−2 to +2) is clearly noted when describing GAS outcomes.
In Context
- "At the four-week review, the patient's GAS score of +1 indicated slightly better-than-expected progress toward independent transfers." — Rehabilitation progress note
- "Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) was selected as the primary outcome measure because the patient's goals were too individualised for standardised tools." — Research protocol