Goal Attainment in a MS Cognitive Intervention Study

Background: Cognitive limitations impact approximately 60% of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Goal-setting has been an integral part of behavior change in both in the community and inpatient rehabilitation settings for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Goal attainment has been shown to be a key outcome measure in cognitive intervention studies in the inpatient setting. Little is known about goal attainment in community-based cognitive intervention studies for persons with self-reported cognitive limitations.  

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine goal attainment and maintenance following participation in a cognitive health promotion intervention for people with MS living independently in the community.

Methods: The 74 participants in this intervention study were recruited from three cities in Texas. Throughout the 8-week class sessions trained facilitators discussed goal setting and instructed participants to set achievable goals that could enhance their cognitive functioning at the end of the eight-week intervention. Five-point Goal Attainment Scales were constructed to make each participants’ goals measureable. Data about their attainment were collected at three months and six months following the conclusion of the intervention. 

Results: The sample (n=74) was 82%  White, Non-Hispanic females whose average age was 50 years. Seventy-four percent had a college or a graduate degree, and 66% reported having relapsing-remitting MS. They had an average of 5.1 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Most of the participants met their goal at the 3-month and 6-month follow-up (59% and 64% respectively). Almost half of the participants (46%) who met or exceeded their goal at the three-month follow-up met or exceeded their goal at the six-month follow-up 

Conclusions: Goal attainment scaling can enable facilitators of behavioral programs in community-based settings to assess the attainment of behavioral changes following cognitive health promotion interventions.

National Institute of Nursing Research R01-NR014362-04