Final answer:
A patient outcome statement or goal should be specific to the individual patient's needs, have a defined time frame for completion, and be realistic for the patient to achieve, aligning with the SMART goal framework.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient outcome statement or goal is intended to guide the planning and evaluation of healthcare and is designed to be specific to the patient, indicating a customized plan of care. It should be formulated with a time frame for completion to ensure that the patient's progress can be measured and the effectiveness of the intervention can be evaluated promptly. Furthermore, the statement should be realistic for the patient, meaning that the goal set is achievable and attainable, considering the patient's current condition and potential barriers that could be overcome through appropriate interventions.
The concept of SMART goals is relevant here, as they encompass the attributes of being Specific, Measurable, Achievable (or Attainable), Relevant, and Time-bound. Each of these components contributes to the effective setting and achievement of patient care goals. The goals should not be indicative of an increase of the problem, but rather, they should show a movement towards improvement or management of the patient's condition.