COAST-client
"The client will??"
When writing goals in OT, the client must be the main focus. The occupational therapy practitioner sets the expectation for what the client will achieve.
Client cont..
Use an appropriate action verb such as (demonstrate, complete, perform,..) to indicate the client expectation.
Client "example".
The client will demonstrate ability to tie her shoe independently (I) within 3 weeks.
COAST-occupation
"What occupation??"
Goals should pertain to and specify occupation and directly relate to a problem that was identified in the occupational therapy intervention plan. The occupation should be the goal statement's prime focus.
Occupation cont..
In your goal emphasize a particular client factor or performance skill as an essential part of a desired occupation, be sure to include the area of occupation that this skill will enable the client to do; such as "in order to return to work as a carpenter" or "in order to be able to write his name at school".
Occupation "example".
In order to begin writing her name at school, student will demonstrate ability to hold pencil with a static tripod grasp by 6/19/13.
COAST- Assist level
"With what level or assistance/independence??"
This part of the goal delineates the expected level of assistance that the client will achieve when performing the specific occupation. Quantifiable physical assistance levels or verbal, tactile, or visual cues.
Assist level
"Example".
Client will complete shaving with less than four verbal cues to attend to left side of face...
Client will don pullover shirt with min assist to place left (L) arm in sleeve...
COAST-Specific condition
"Under what conditions??"
This represents additional criteria/conditions under which the client is expected to be able to perform the desired action such as a compensatory technique, use of durable medical equipment/adaptive equipment, client position, location, etc. Conditions make your goal more specific.
Specific condition cont..
Usually it is helpful to put the condition after the skill rather than before it, but sometimes you may want to start with the condition.
Specific condition "example 1".
Condition last
Client will perform upper and lower body dressing independently (I), taking less than three 60-second rest breaks by 01/05/13.
Specific condition
"example 2".
Condition first
While standing at sink for 5 minutes, client will demonstrate ability to wash and dry dishes with SBA by 2/20/2013.
COAST-Timeline
"By when??"
This is the time frame within which the goal is expected to be accomplished.
Timeline cont..
Practice setting-monthly goals(what you hope to accomplish in the next month).
Acute care setting-may be a goal for tomorrow.
School setting- annual goals (what you hope to accomplish by the end of the year).
Timeline "example".
While seated on tub bench, client will demonstrate ability to bathe upper body with SBA by the end of the next treatment session or by expected discharge on 10/16/12.
COAST example
C-client will complete
O-setting the table
A-with SBA
S-using rolling walker
T-within one week