rehabilitation goal-setting
The collaborative process through which the patient, family, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation team identify, document, and prioritise functional targets to guide the rehabilitation programme.
Full Definition
Rehabilitation goal-setting is a core process in geriatric rehabilitation that ensures interventions are patient-centred, measurable, and time-bound. Goals are typically framed using the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and documented in interdisciplinary rehabilitation plans. A key editorial distinction is between 'short-term goals' (usually within two weeks) and 'long-term goals' (discharge or community function targets). Editors should ensure that goals are written in active language centred on the patient (e.g., 'Patient will transfer independently to the commode' rather than 'Improve transfers'), and that goal-setting is hyphenated as a compound modifier when preceding a noun (e.g., 'goal-setting session') but not as a noun phrase (e.g., 'the team engaged in goal setting').
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as a compound modifier before a noun ('goal-setting framework') but not as a standalone noun phrase ('the team engaged in goal setting'). Ensure goals in published clinical documents use patient-centred, active language.
In Context
- "The rehabilitation goal-setting meeting was attended by the patient, her daughter, and all members of the interdisciplinary team." — Inpatient rehabilitation programme documentation
- "The editor revised passive goal language ('balance to be improved') to active, patient-centred phrasing throughout the discharge summary." — Discharge summary editorial review