Use this algorithm to write an effective goal statement.
Care planning has become a huge issue not only for completing the MDS 3.0, but also for various other compliance requirements. And although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) does not mandate a specific care plan “format,” these tips for organizing and executing your care plans can certainly help to keep you on-track.
Include 4 Crucial Components in Your Care Plan
Your comprehensive care plan should include measurable objectives and timetables, and should meet the resident’s medical, nursing, mental and psychosocial needs, Patsy Strouse, RN, the RAI Coordinator for Ohio, said in a recent presentation. Using the MDS as the starting point, you’re identifying areas of concern, as well as causes and risk factors related to triggered care area items.
When writing the care plan, the content should have four areas covered in-depth, stated Susan Newell, MA, CTRS of consulting firm T.R. T.I.P.S., Inc. in a recent presentation for Oklahoma Leading Age:
1. I Issues: Problems, Needs, Strengths
For the issues component, you’ll need to write an “issue statement.” Newell provided the following definitions for each type of issue:
Make Each Goal ‘Dance’
Each goal should have a subject, verb, modifier, and timeframe. According to Newell, the goal statement should include:
Example: According to Strouse, a complete goal statement would be: “Mr. Brown will walk 50 feet twice daily within the next three months.”
Newell also illustrated the proper approach to developing a goal statement as “RUMBA:”
Think ‘Triple-A’ When Defining Approaches/Interventions
In a basic sense, your Approaches/Interventions “should identify what staff are to do and when they are to do it and when it will be evaluated by the RN for possible changes,” Strouse said.
For Approaches/Interventions, think “triple-A”: Accommodation, Adaptation, and Assistance, Newell instructed.
Accommodation: This involves “individual preferences regarding environment, schedules, and routines that are acknowledged and respected,” Newell said. You would identify and try to accommodate such preferences.
For example, Mrs. Smith says her morning prayers before eating breakfast at 8:30am, Newell noted. Or she requires extra padding on her wheelchair seat cushion for all outings.
Adaptation: This encompasses “changes to equipment, supplies, tools, leadership, and program to increase a person’s independence, enjoyment, or success,” Newell explained. For example, you might provide a resident with additional lighting and a hand-held magnifier for reading. Or perhaps provide a resident with color-contrast (yellow, orange, blue) stickers for her gardening tools.
Assistance: This involves providing “verbal and/or physical aid to the person,” Newell stated. For instance, you might place craft items to the resident’s left and within 12 to 18 inches reach. Or you might ensure sufficient staff at an activity for speedy transport for toileting.
2. Goals: Specific, Measurable, Outcomes
3. Approaches/Interventions: Accommodations, Adaptations, Assistance
4. Disciplines: Interdisciplinary Teamwork
A: achievable