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Using Results from Balance Testing in Goal Writing

Kathleen Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L

July 25, 2013

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Question

Do you ever use balance measures from your standardized tests in your goal writing?

 

Answer

No I do not.  Even though I will do the balance assessment, let’s say a Berg or a Dynamic Gait Index, and I know that my Berg score is 40 out of 56.  I would not write a goal to say that my Berg is 52 out of 56.  I may do that as part of my intervention.  I may have that in the back of my mind that is what want to do, but I am always going to write my goals functionally based.  "The patient will improve dynamic standing balance reaching greater than 5 inches outside of the base of support in order to complete a light homemaking task."  I always do them functionally because by and large our payers pay for function.  Would you document the score in your notes?  You absolutely would.  I just would not put it in my goals.  


kathleen weissberg

Kathleen Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L

Dr. Kathleen Weissberg, (MS in OT, 1993; Doctoral 2014) in her 25+ years of practice, has worked in rehabilitation and long-term care as an executive, researcher and educator.  She has established numerous programs in nursing facilities; authored peer-reviewed publications on topics such as low vision, dementia quality care, and wellness; has spoken at numerous conferences both nationally and internationally, for 20+ State Health Care Associations, and for 25+ state LeadingAge affiliates.  She provides continuing education support to over 17,000 therapists, nurses, and administrators nationwide as National Director of Education for Select Rehabilitation. She is a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner and a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner.  She serves as the Region 1 Director for the American Occupational Therapy Association Political Affairs Affiliates and is an adjunct professor at both Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA and Gannon University in Erie, PA. 


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