What is the difference between a patient goal and a patient outcome?
A patient goal is a broad, generalized statement that is not measurable. Patient goals are directed toward the removal of related factors (cause or etiology) or toward patient response to an adverse condition. A patient outcome is a statement that describes the expected change in patient behavior, denoting progress toward resolution of the altered human response over a specific period of time. Patient outcomes are client-centered, specific, measurable, and include a time frame. Copyright © 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Thomson LearningTM is a trademark used herein under license. All rights reserved.
