Question

Why is an example of a modification SMART goal for a left side stroke patient?

Answer 1

SMART goal means Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.  Post stroke rehabilitation has been consistently reported in physiotherapy as being difficult to manage and limiting to rehabilitation outcome. It is reported that the first few months post stroke are crucial for rehabilitation to reach a maximum potential. However, after this period further recovery is unlikely. Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-framed (SMART) goals are used for goal setting for rehabilitation.

The team-oriented patient management provides a promising way to deliver high quality, satisfying care without increasing (and possibly decreasing) healthcare costs. Physiotherapists are ideally suited to play an integral role in the education, rehabilitation, and management of people with stroke. The use of SMART goals is increasing and advancing along with many other aids for rehabilitation programmes. It is important that the knowledge in this role continually develop so the intervention given can be most beneficial for this patient group and the individual patients.