Which statement about SMART goals is accurate?

• A. They are vague and nonspecific.
• B. They are therapist-centered only.
• C. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound and aligned with client priorities and occupations.
• D. They focus only on the medical condition.

Answer: (C)

SMART goals in occupational therapy are client-centered objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, and they should align with the client’s priorities and valued occupations. This combination makes goals clear, feasible, and meaningful in daily life, so progress can be tracked and interventions tailored to what the client wants to do.

The statement captured here lists exactly those elements and ties them to the client’s priorities and occupations, which is why it’s the best description. It focuses on specificity, measurable progress, realistic achievability, relevance to the client’s life, and a clear timeframe, all while keeping the client’s goals rooted in their daily activities and roles.

Other descriptions miss essential parts: labeling goals as vague and nonspecific ignores the Specific and Measurable components; stating goals are therapist-centered contradicts the client-centered nature of OT practice; and focusing only on the medical condition omits the important occupational and daily life focus that drives meaningful change for clients.