Introduction to Writing Goals and Objectives

Book excerpt: Since length of stay in hospitals continues to decrease, and insurance companies focus on documentation for reimbursement, it is vital for recreation professionals to master documentation issues -- especially those of writing goals and objectives with their patients and clients. Well-written goals and objectives keep treatment on target and measurable, and assist with justification of services. This manual offers basic techniques that students, interns, and entry-level professionals need to gain confidence when developing and writing goals and objectives with their clients and patients. The exercises and case studies in this manual offer scenarios to help users build confidence by practicing the fundamentals of better documentation which will serve patients and clients, recreation therapists, hospitals, community settings, and outside reviewing organizations.