What should be included when documenting a variance for a goal?

When documenting a variance for a goal, it is essential to provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the variance. This thorough explanation helps clarify why the expected outcomes were not achieved, giving insight into contributing factors such as changes in the patient's condition, unexpected developments, or barriers faced during the goal period. This context can be crucial for healthcare teams when adjusting treatment plans or understanding the patient's progress, ultimately facilitating better decision-making in clinical practices.

Other considerations, such as the amount of time spent on the goal, notes from the primary physician, or a checklist of completed tasks, while potentially useful in specific contexts, do not offer the same depth of understanding about the circumstances that led to the variance. These elements may provide ancillary information but lack the comprehensive nature needed to fully grasp the situation regarding the goal's achievement.