Specific
Goals need to be well-defined and explicit. For instance, instead of setting a vague goal like "improve patient comfort," a specific goal would be "reduce the patient's pain level to a 3 out of 10 within 24 hours."
Measurable
It's essential to have criteria for measuring progress. This could involve using pain scales, monitoring vital signs, or tracking the frequency of specific symptoms. Measurable goals provide clear evidence of progress or the need for adjustments.
Achievable
The goals set should be realistic and attainable given the patient's condition, resources available, and time constraints. For example, aiming for complete recovery in a terminally ill patient is not achievable, but improving their quality of life is.
Relevant
Goals should be pertinent to the patient's situation and overall healthcare plan. The relevance ensures that the goals contribute meaningfully to the patient’s health and well-being.
Time-bound
Each goal should have a clear timeframe, which provides a deadline and helps in tracking progress. For example, "achieve wound healing within two weeks" gives a specific period to work within.
