After content analysis was complete, consensus
among the investigators was reached on final goal
categories and category names in an effort to reduce
the number of goal categories. This was accomplished
by combining goal categories that were closely related,
by streamlining category names with attention to verb
and noun constructions to simplify articulation, and
by suggesting shorthand words or phrases for each
category to facilitate easy recollection. ‘‘Improve
or maintain function/quality of life’’ and ‘‘preserve
independence/autonomy/control’’ were collapsed
into ‘‘improve or maintain function/quality of life/
independence’’; and ‘‘achieve life goals’’ was formed by
collapsing 5 goal categories (‘‘accomplish a particular
personal goal,’’ ‘‘preparation for death/achievement
of a good death,’’ ‘‘spiritual needs,’’ ‘‘remain at
home,’’ and ‘‘strengthening relationships’’), as displayed
in Table 1.