ABSTRACT
Objective: To describe patterns in preferred dimensions of change in therapy goals identified by individuals with developmental disability and their caregivers.
Methods: A retrospective chart review of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) goals for patients aged 2–32 years (n = 124) participating in a program of episodic care was conducted. Dimensions of change were analyzed through a mixed-methods study design. Co-occurrence rates and descriptor-to-code comparisons were computed in order to relate the dimension of change to diagnosis, International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) goal domain, gender, age, and goal setter.
Results: Decreased level of assistance was the most commonly identified preferred dimension of change, cited in 31.0% of goals. Decreased level of assistance remained the most frequently reported dimension of change in multiple subgroup analyses.
Conclusion: Independence is highly valued by parents and individuals with developmental disability. This finding should help guide therapy plans or program development addressing task performance.
Declaration of interests
The authors report no declarations of interest.