You could use the first goals as short term goals and the second goals as her long term goals. Right now pain and ROM are her most pressing problems and later functional activities will be more appropriate.
Mary -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron Carson Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 3:49 PM To: OTlist Subject: [OTlist] Elbow Break, Referral... 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 -- Ron Carson MHS, OT -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.14/1646 - Release Date: 9/1/2008 6:03 PM -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
