Goal attainment - A tool to assess outcomes of assistive technology

The TIDE project ''Cost-Effective Rehabilitation Technology Through Appropriate Indicators'' (the CERTAIN project), has in the first deliverable (I) identified characteristics of assistive technology and critical factors related to individual user outcomes. Generally, assistive technology can have a high ''problem - solving value'' for the end user, while the capacities to replace lost functions are low. Thus, the major role of assistive technology is to solve practical problems of everyday life as perceived and as prioritised by the individual end user. God Attainment Scaling (GAS) represents an individualised approach to measure outcomes of an intervention. GAS is requiring goal-oriented and;borough planned measures, based upon full user involvement in the setting of goals. It focuses on the aims of the intervention and the roles of the AT being implemented. It also focuses on the frameworks being necessary to ensure positive outcomes of assistive technology. GAS seems to meet the objectives and the necessary frameworks for provision of assistive technology to the end users. The TIDE project ''Efficiency of Assistive Technology and Services'' (EATS) will tailor and evaluate GAS as an instrument to assess outcomes of assistive devices (AD).