True or False: Appropriate goals address improvement in pain and function, when relevant, and have a documented end date.

True or False: Appropriate goals address improvement in pain and function, when relevant, and have a documented end date.

• A. Sometimes
• B. False
• C. True
• D. Not specified

Answer: (C)

Pain and function are meaningful targets of care, so goals should focus on improving these areas when they are relevant to the patient’s condition. Making the goal time-bound with a documented end date creates a clear timeline for achieving the target and for re-evaluating progress. This timing helps the team know when to adjust the plan if progress stalls and ensures progress is actually being tracked. In practice, setting a goal like reducing pain to a tolerable level and improving daily function within a defined period makes the plan actionable and measurable, which is why this approach is correct.

Pain and function are meaningful targets of care, so goals should focus on improving these areas when they are relevant to the patient’s condition. Making the goal time-bound with a documented end date creates a clear timeline for achieving the target and for re-evaluating progress. This timing helps the team know when to adjust the plan if progress stalls and ensures progress is actually being tracked. In practice, setting a goal like reducing pain to a tolerable level and improving daily function within a defined period makes the plan actionable and measurable, which is why this approach is correct.