Anacronyms
The S in SMART goal stands for this.
What is "specific"
Rewrite: Patient will improve balance.
“Patient will maintain single-leg stance for 10 seconds on each leg without loss of balance in 3/4 trials to improve safety during playground activities within 6 weeks.”
The goal says, "Patient will demonstrate improved strength within 8 weeks". It is missing this SMART quality(s)
What is "measure" and function/"relevance"
Patient will walk better within 4 weeks.
What is M- Measurable
“Improve,” “increase,” and “tolerate” are risky unless you add this.
What are observable criteria?
This SMART component answers, "How will I know I achieved it?"
What is "Measurable"
Rewrite: Patient will improve fine motor skills within 6 weeks to support participation in classroom activities.
Answer will include S and M- specific skill and how it will be measured
This goal says, "Patient will complete 10 squats in 2/2 therapy sessions". It is technically measurable, but risks being this instead of a functional outcome.
What is a treatment activity
Patient will independently complete morning dressing routine with no more than 1 verbal cue.
What is T- Time-bound
A goal that says “Patient will participate in sensory activities” may be weak because it describes this.
What is a treatment activity?
This SMART component ensures the goal is realistic.
What is "Achievable"
Rewrite: Patient will identify 20 vocabulary words with 80% accuracy in structured tasks within 8 weeks.
Answer includes R- relevance. Vocab is addressed but no connection to communication participation
A goal that states "by discharge" should be avoided for this reason.
What is a "vague time-bound statement"
Patient will improve articulation with 80% accuracy within 8 weeks.
What is R- Relevant
“Patient will follow directions 3/3x” may be measurable but still needs this to be stronger.
What is functional context/purpose?
This SMART component ensures the goal relates to the patient's needs.
What is "Relevant"
Rewrite: Patient will transition to standing 4/5 trials within 8 weeks.
ex: “Patient will transition from floor to stand through half-kneel with either leg leading independently in 4/5 trials to increase participation in age-appropriate play within 8 weeks.”
A goal about improving "balance" should be connected to this type of meaningful outcome.
What is participation, specific function, or ADL. Acceptable- a description of a functional purpose
Patient will ascend and descend stairs within 8 weeks to access school.
What is M- Measurable. The number, height, level of support is missing
“Patient will achieve age-appropriate motor skills” may be problematic because it may not reflect this.
What is attainability based on current presentation and timeframe?
This SMART component requires a deadline
What is "Time Bound".
Patient will cut along a curved line with less than 1/4 inch deviation in 4/5 trials within 6 weeks.
Answer includes Relevance- why does cutting matter? The functional purpose was missing
Patient will improve expressive language skills within 12 weeks is missing this SMART component
What is S-specific
Also missing M
Patient will independently produce /r/ in conversational speech with 100% accuracy across all settings within 1 week.
What is A- Achievable
DAILY DOUBLE
Skilled vs non-skilled goals. Non-skilled: Patient will perform home exercises independently. Rewrite as a skilled goal.