PSS Documentation, Person-Centered Language, and Goal Setting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When documenting a peer's progress, which phrase best reflects person-centered language?
- The client failed to attend group therapy.
- The consumer is non-compliant with treatment.
- John chose not to attend the session this week. (Correct answer)
- The patient refused services again.
Correct answer: John chose not to attend the session this week.
Person-centered language uses the individual's name and frames choices as autonomous decisions rather than failures or refusals.
Question 2: In SMART goal setting, what does the 'A' stand for?
- Absolute
- Achievable (Correct answer)
- Automated
- Accountable
Correct answer: Achievable
SMART goals must be Achievable, meaning they are realistic and attainable given the person's current circumstances and resources.
Question 3: Which documentation practice best protects a peer's confidentiality?
- Sharing notes with any team member who asks.
- Including only information relevant to the support being provided. (Correct answer)
- Recording all personal details shared in conversation.
- Filing notes in a shared public drive for easy access.
Correct answer: Including only information relevant to the support being provided.
Documenting only relevant information limits unnecessary disclosure and protects the individual's privacy.
Question 4: A peer specialist writes: 'Maria is a survivor of domestic violence who is working to rebuild her independence.' What documentation principle does this reflect?
- Deficit-based framing
- Diagnostic labeling
- Strength-based, person-first language (Correct answer)
- Clinical assessment language
Correct answer: Strength-based, person-first language
Highlighting strengths and using person-first framing ('survivor who is working') reflects a strength-based, person-centered approach.
Question 5: When helping a peer set goals, the peer specialist should primarily:
- Decide what goals would benefit the peer most.
- Guide the peer to identify their own goals based on their values. (Correct answer)
- Align goals with what the treatment team recommends.
- Choose goals that are easiest to achieve quickly.
Correct answer: Guide the peer to identify their own goals based on their values.
Self-determination is a core principle of peer support, so goals should emerge from the individual's own values and desires.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of deficit-based language in documentation?
- James is working on managing stress during job interviews.
- Sarah identified three coping strategies she finds helpful.
- The individual lacks insight into his illness. (Correct answer)
- Maya expressed interest in reconnecting with her family.
Correct answer: The individual lacks insight into his illness.
'Lacks insight' is a deficit-based, clinical label that focuses on what the person is missing rather than their strengths or goals.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of progress notes in peer support services?
- To document the peer specialist's opinions about the peer.
- To provide a legal record that can be used in court.
- To track the peer's movement toward their self-identified goals. (Correct answer)
- To share detailed personal history with all providers.
Correct answer: To track the peer's movement toward their self-identified goals.
Progress notes in peer support primarily document how the individual is moving toward the goals they have identified for themselves.
PSS Documentation, Person-Centered Language, and Goal Setting 2
When documenting a peer's progress, which phrase best reflects person-centered language?