Which statement best illustrates a SMART goal?

• A. Reduce readmissions by 10% within 6 months
• B. Decrease readmissions by 2% within 1 year
• C. Increase admissions by 5% in 3 months
• D. Improve satisfaction by 2 points in 2 months

Answer: (A)

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The statement about reducing readmissions by 10% within 6 months best demonstrates these elements: it names the exact outcome (readmissions), sets a concrete target (10%), provides a clear deadline (6 months), and represents a realistic objective aligned with improving patient outcomes and hospital performance. The target is auditable and time-constrained, which makes progress trackable and actionable.

Other options are weaker for a SMART goal because they either shift the outcome (increasing admissions isn’t an improvement goal), use a smaller or longer-term target that reduces urgency or impact (2% in 1 year), or rely on a metric that can be more subjective or less directly tied to actionable quality improvements (satisfaction).