Patient Goals

Term from Patient Care industry explained for recruiters

Patient Goals refers to the practice of setting and working towards specific health outcomes that are important to patients. This is a key part of modern healthcare where medical professionals work with patients to create clear, achievable targets for their health and recovery. These goals might include things like improving mobility, managing pain, or returning to daily activities. It's different from the older way of just treating symptoms, as it focuses on what matters most to the patient. You might also hear this referred to as "patient-centered care goals," "care planning objectives," or "treatment targets."

Examples in Resumes

Developed and implemented Patient Goals in collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare team

Achieved 90% success rate in meeting Patient Goals through personalized care planning

Documented and tracked Patient Goals and outcomes for 200+ patients

Created comprehensive care plans based on Patient Care Goals and medical team recommendations

Typical job title: "Healthcare Professionals"

Also try searching for:

Nurse Physical Therapist Occupational Therapist Care Coordinator Case Manager Healthcare Manager Patient Care Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle complex cases where patient goals conflict with standard treatment protocols?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show experience in balancing patient preferences with medical necessities, ability to negotiate compromises, and knowledge of when to involve other healthcare team members.

Q: Describe how you've improved the patient goal-setting process in your previous role.

Expected Answer: Candidate should describe specific examples of implementing systems or changes that improved how patient goals were set, tracked, and achieved, showing leadership and process improvement skills.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you ensure patient goals are both realistic and challenging enough?

Expected Answer: Should explain their process of assessing patient capabilities, considering medical conditions, and setting achievable but motivating goals while involving the patient in the decision-making.

Q: What methods do you use to track and adjust patient goals?

Expected Answer: Look for familiarity with goal documentation, regular progress reviews, and ability to modify goals based on patient progress and changing conditions.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when setting patient goals?

Expected Answer: Should mention patient's medical condition, personal preferences, lifestyle factors, support system, and current capabilities as key considerations.

Q: How do you involve patients in the goal-setting process?

Expected Answer: Should discuss the importance of patient input, active listening, and clear communication in creating goals that matter to the patient.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic goal setting and documentation
  • Patient communication
  • Following care plans
  • Basic progress monitoring

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex goal development
  • Progress evaluation
  • Team collaboration
  • Family engagement

Senior (5+ years)

  • Program development
  • Staff training
  • Quality improvement
  • Policy creation

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to explain how to involve patients in goal-setting
  • Lack of experience with documentation systems
  • Poor understanding of realistic timeframes for achievement
  • No experience working in healthcare teams