Patient- and caregiver-identified preferences: Dimensions of change in developmental therapy treatment goals

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.