Goal Attainment Scaling
Also written as: GAS — Goal Attainment Scaling
A method of scoring the extent to which individual patient rehabilitation goals are achieved, expressed on a standardized five-point scale.
Full Definition
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a validated outcome measurement technique that allows clinicians to tailor goals to individual patients while still producing a standardized, quantifiable outcome score. Each goal is operationalised across five levels, from much less than expected outcome (−2) to much more than expected (+2), with the expected outcome set at 0. A T-score is then calculated to aggregate performance across multiple goals. In geriatric rehabilitation documentation, GAS scores appear in therapy progress notes, outcome reports, and research publications. Editors must take care not to conflate GAS with simple goal documentation or generic outcome scales. The acronym GAS should always be expanded on first use.
Usage
Usage note: Expand on first use. The T-score derived from GAS is expressed as a number, not a percentage; editors should flag any manuscripts that present GAS results as percentages.
In Context
- "Goal Attainment Scaling revealed that the patient exceeded expected outcomes in two of three mobility goals." — Research outcomes report
- "The occupational therapist used GAS to document progress toward kitchen independence." — Occupational therapy progress note