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Appendix B: Components of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS)
Conceptual Basis of GAS:
Goal Attainment Scaling, which was originally devised by Kiresuk and Sherman (1968), is a
process used to evaluate therapeutic outcomes with patients. GAS consists of a series of steps:
• goal setter or team (amongst which the client may or may not be a member) identifies client’s
desires, needs and present situation) (Kiresuk and Sherman, 1968).
• goal setter/team and client reach a mutual agreement as to which goals are attainable (Kiresuk
and Sherman,1968; Clark & Caudrey, 1983 ).
• goals are assigned weights according to their importance (Clark & Caudrey, 1983).
• outcomes for each of the goals specified are established (Clark & Caudrey, 1983).
• a scale (ranging from –2 to +2) is assigned to each goal . Each point on the scale represents an
outcome. –2 is assigned to the most unfavorable outcome, while +2 is assigned to best possible
outcome (Kiresuk and Sherman, 1968).
• following a specified period of time, an independent team or person will evaluate the outcomes
(Kiresuk & Sherman, 1968; Clark & Caudrey, 1983).
• the success of the program is evaluated by determining the score for each goal (Kiresuk and
Sherman, 1968).
Study Settings:
GAS has been used in in/outpatient rehabilitation, home health care, and nursing home settings.
The types of clients that have participated in GAS include the following:
• brain injury patients (Zweber & Malec, 1990; Joyce, Rockwood & Mate-Kole, 1994)
• elderly patients (Rockwood, Stolee & Fox, 1993; Stolee, Stadnyk & Myers, 1999)
• mental health patients ( Willer & Miller, 1976)
• pediatric patients (Mitchell & Cusick, 1997)