Introduction
In the field of occupational therapy, effective communication is paramount, particularly through written documentation such as clinical reports. As a student of occupational therapy, I recognise that honing report writing skills is essential for both personal growth and professional competence. Reports in this discipline serve as critical tools for articulating client assessments, intervention plans, and outcomes to multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders (College of Occupational Therapists, 2015). This essay outlines a specific goal to improve my report writing skills using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. By employing this structured approach, I aim to develop clarity, precision, and professionalism in my documentation. The discussion will cover the rationale for this goal, a detailed plan for achievement, and its relevance to my future career in occupational therapy.
Rationale for Choosing Report Writing Skills
Report writing is a cornerstone of occupational therapy practice, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and ensuring continuity of care. According to Turner (2019), poor documentation can lead to miscommunication, compromising client safety and treatment efficacy. As a student, I have observed that my current reports sometimes lack conciseness and fail to prioritise critical information, which could hinder effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Moreover, with the increasing emphasis on accountability within the NHS, robust reporting skills are vital for meeting professional standards (Health and Care Professions Council, 2016). Therefore, targeting this area for development aligns with both my academic growth and the practical demands of my future role.
Applying the SMART Framework to My Goal
To structure my development effectively, I have formulated a SMART goal. First, the goal is Specific: I aim to improve the structure and clarity of my clinical reports by incorporating feedback from tutors and peers. Second, it is Measurable: success will be evaluated by achieving at least an 80% improvement in feedback scores on report organisation and content over the next six months. Third, the goal is Achievable: I will dedicate two hours weekly to practicing report writing using templates and guidelines from authoritative sources such as the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Fourth, it is Relevant: enhancing this skill directly supports my academic assessments and prepares me for placements where accurate documentation is non-negotiable. Finally, the goal is Time-bound: I aim to meet this target within six months, aligning with my next placement cycle.
My plan involves several actionable steps. Initially, I will review feedback on previous reports to identify recurring weaknesses, such as overly descriptive language or insufficient evidence. Subsequently, I will study best practices in clinical documentation by engaging with resources like Schell and Schell (2018), who provide frameworks for concise and client-centered reporting. Furthermore, I intend to participate in university workshops on academic writing and seek mentorship from experienced occupational therapists during placements. To track progress, I will maintain a reflective journal, documenting improvements and challenges. Admittedly, balancing this goal with other academic commitments may pose difficulties; however, by scheduling specific times for practice, I believe this target is attainable.
Implications for Professional Development
Achieving proficiency in report writing will have far-reaching benefits for my career. Not only will it enhance my ability to communicate client needs effectively, but it will also build confidence in interdisciplinary settings, where precise documentation is often scrutinised. Moreover, this skill will contribute to meeting the HCPC standards for proficiency, which emphasise clear record-keeping as a marker of competence (Health and Care Professions Council, 2016). Indeed, as occupational therapy evolves with increasing integration of digital records, adaptability in writing styles will be crucial. By addressing this goal now, I am laying a foundation for lifelong learning and professional accountability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this essay has outlined a SMART goal to enhance my report writing skills as an occupational therapy student, a critical area for both personal and professional growth. By setting a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objective, I have devised a structured plan involving feedback, study, and reflective practice. This development is not merely an academic exercise but a stepping stone to meeting the demands of clinical practice within the NHS framework. Ultimately, improving my ability to produce clear, evidence-based reports will ensure better client outcomes and strengthen my readiness for a career in occupational therapy. The journey, though challenging, is arguably one of the most impactful investments I can make in my professional future.
References
- College of Occupational Therapists. (2015) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. London: College of Occupational Therapists.
- Health and Care Professions Council. (2016) Standards of Proficiency for Occupational Therapists. HCPC.
- Schell, B. A. B., & Schell, J. W. (2018) Clinical and Professional Reasoning in Occupational Therapy. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
- Turner, A. (2019) Occupational Therapy and Physical Dysfunction: Enabling Occupation. 7th ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier.
