A standardized menu for Goal Attainment Scaling in the care of frail elders

Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), an individualized measurement approach, is particularly attractive for the evaluation and care planning of frail elders, who often experience multiple, complex problems. Some service providers find GAS too unwieldy for routine use. A modified version of GAS that uses a standardized menu of goals and attainment levels has been developed by the Geriatric Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit of a regional referral hospital in Nova Scotia, Canada. This article reviews the development, implementation, benefits, and challenges of the standardized menu, as well as the results of a retrospective descriptive study of its measurement properties. The standardized menu appears to be a feasible, valid, and responsive alternative to traditional GAS, while retaining much of its individualized nature.