Received a new referral for a elbow fracture. I shouldn't have taken
it but I did.
And here is the dilemma facing our profession. The patient is 95,
previously living independently. Fractured elbow in a fall. Now living
with daughter. She is in a large amount of pain. Obviously, she is
dependent for most of her occupations. She currently uses a cane but
is not safe.
The patient's immediate concerns are her elbow. When pressed, she of
course wants to go back home, but that is not an immediate goal.
So what do I write for goals? For example should I write:
Patient will self-report pain as 3 out of 10
Patient's will increase active elbow extension to -20 degrees
These goals seem to direct the patients and doctor's concerns but are
not occupationally oriented. So, should I write:
Patient will safely and independently dress lower body
Patient will safely and independently ambulate to the bathroom
using the least restrictive mobility aid
I like these goals but they don't address the immediate concerns.
Ron
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Ron Carson MHS, OT
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