What does SMART stand for in goal setting?

• A. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound
• B. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely
• C. Strategic, Market-ready, Actionable, Results-focused, Timely
• D. Standardized, Measurable, Aligned, Relevant, Timely

Answer: (A)

Setting goals with SMART helps you craft targets that are precise, trackable, feasible, aligned with patient safety priorities, and deadline-driven. Specific means you spell out exactly what you want to achieve and who is responsible, for example, “increase hand hygiene compliance among ICU nurses.” Measurable means there is a clear way to measure progress, such as a monthly percentage of observed compliant practices. Attainable (or Achievable) ensures the goal is realistic given your resources and constraints, so a target is challenging but reachable with the right support. Relevant links the goal to broader infection prevention priorities, like reducing HAIs or transmission in a unit. Time-bound adds a deadline to focus efforts, for instance, “achieve this by the end of Q3.” The standard five-word version is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound, though Achievable can substitute for Attainable and Realistic can substitute for Relevant in some contexts.