How can SMART goals enhance patient advocacy through documentation?
Answer
SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals provide a robust framework for documenting patient care in an advocacy-focused manner. Therapists can articulate the skilled need and hoped-for functional outcomes clearly by ensuring goals are specific to the patient's needs, measurable, challenging yet achievable, relevant to their condition, and time-bound. Comprehensive SMART goals directly link interventions and anticipated patient progress, strengthening the justification for continued therapy services.
Trisha Salome, PT, DPT, is currently a Service Line Director for Penn Highlands Healthcare in Pennsylvania. Dr. Salome earned her doctorate in physical therapy from Saint Francis University, where she also received her Bachelor of Science in health sciences. She has spent her entire career working for nonprofits with notable works in pediatrics, home health, hospice, leadership development, clinical documentation, community programs, and operational efficiency. Previously she has represented her profession in elected and appointed positions in the APTA and has presented Hospice education nationally at CSM and with PhysicalTherapy.com.
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