The application of goal attainment scaling in chronic pain settings

Although the multidimensional nature of chronic pain has been recognized si nce the 1960s, pain management continues to reflect a biomedical model for many chronic pain patients. The application of a biopsychosocial approach w ould be aided by measurement tools that reflect the multidimensional nature of pain, facilitate interdisciplinary care planning; and focus treatment o n the consequences of pain that are important to patients. Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is an individualized health outcome measure that is suitable for health problems that warrant a multidimensional and individualized appr oach to treatment planning and outcome measurement. This paper describes th e use of GAS as a treatment and research tool in cancer pain, pediatric pai n work-related nonmalignant pain, and geriatric pain. Unlike the typical pr ocess where goals are not explicitly slated, GAS allows goals to be stated in a systematic measurable manner that is relevant and meaningful for each patient, and that can guide individual treatment planning. GAS is an approp riate technique for guiding and monitoring the treatment of individual chro nic pain patients, and may provide a useful tool for evaluating chronic pai n programs. (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 1998.