Evaluating the outcome of counselling in primary care using a goal attainment scale

This study evaluates the outcome of counselling in primary care. The method replicates part of a previous study in the same setting and finds similar results. Outcome was assessed by clients using a goal attainment scale. A high rate of goal attainment was reported. A content analysis system was used to categorize goals, a high level of inter-rater reliability was found. The majority of goals were those aspiring to some 'change' in the clients' lives. This study found that these goals were predominately expressed in positive rather than negative terms. Limitations of the study include the lack of data on the clients who chose not to participate. Recommendations for future research are to include the opinions of these clients.