In home health care, which phase involves establishing goals and objectives and using learning skills?

• A. Assessment
• B. Planning
• C. Implementation
• D. Evaluation

Answer: (B)

In planning, you partner with the patient and family to set specific, measurable goals and outcomes, and you outline what the patient needs to learn and how you will teach it. This is where the learning needs are identified and a teaching plan is created to help the patient achieve those goals at home. For example, if a patient is managing COPD at home, the plan might include a goal like “Patient demonstrates correct inhaler technique and uses pursed-lip breathing during activity,” with learning objectives such as “Explain when to use rescue inhaler and demonstrate proper inhaler use” and a teaching approach using teach-back, demonstration, and written materials. The plan also covers timing, who will teach what, and what resources are needed, ensuring the patient can perform self-care skills safely after discharge.

Understanding the other phases helps anchor this: assessment gathers initial data about the patient and home environment; implementation is the actual delivery of care and teaching; evaluation checks whether the goals were met and guides any necessary adjustments.