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Setting and achieving individualized social communication goals for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) within a group treatment.

BACKGROUND
Cognitive-communication disorders are common following an acquired brain injury (ABI). Remediation should involve individualized goal-setting, yet few reports describe the effectiveness of setting communication goals in a group setting.


AIMS
To describe a process for setting and achieving goals for people with ABI.


METHODS & PROCEDURES
A total of 21 participants with ABI participated in a group treatment (triads and dyads) over 6 weeks (20 h in total). Specific social communication goals were set using goal attainment scaling (GAS) with the participant and their communication partner. Goals targeted strategy use that accounted for existing cognitive abilities. The participant and their communication partner evaluated the goals post-treatment and 6-8 weeks later. Data were analysed using Friedman's test to identify the achievement of GAS goals.


OUTCOMES & RESULTS
A total of 20 participants recalled goals independently post-treatment. Significant improvement post-treatment on GAS goals was rated by both the participant (p < 0.001) and their communication partner (p < 0.001). This improvement was maintained at follow-up. No significant differences in ratings were found between participants and their communication partners at either time point.


CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS
Individualized social communication goals can be set and achieved for people with ABI in group treatment, even when participants are several years post-injury. GAS offers a method for structuring and quantifying goal progress. Involving communication partners and cognitive strategies were effective in improving communication.