PSS Documentation, Person-Centered Language, and Goal Setting 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which statement uses person-first language correctly?
- The schizophrenic in room 3 needs support.
- She is a person living with schizophrenia. (Correct answer)
- The schizophrenic patient has made progress.
- His schizophrenia defines his daily challenges.
Correct answer: She is a person living with schizophrenia.
Person-first language places the individual before the diagnosis ('person living with'), acknowledging their humanity first.
Question 2: A peer specialist notices that a goal set three months ago is no longer relevant to the peer's life. What should happen?
- Keep the goal as written to maintain consistency in the record.
- Document the peer's disengagement as non-compliance.
- Collaborate with the peer to revise or replace the goal. (Correct answer)
- Report the change to a supervisor for approval first.
Correct answer: Collaborate with the peer to revise or replace the goal.
Goals should be living documents that evolve with the individual's changing circumstances and priorities.
Question 3: Which term should a peer specialist AVOID when documenting services?
- Self-identified goal
- Recovery journey
- Frequent flyer (Correct answer)
- Personal strength
Correct answer: Frequent flyer
'Frequent flyer' is a derogatory term used in some systems to stigmatize people who use services often and is never appropriate in documentation.
Question 4: What does 'timely documentation' mean in peer support practice?
- Completing notes only at the end of the month.
- Recording interactions as soon as reasonably possible after they occur. (Correct answer)
- Documenting only when a supervisor requests a review.
- Writing notes before the peer visit so time is saved.
Correct answer: Recording interactions as soon as reasonably possible after they occur.
Timely documentation means recording information shortly after the interaction to ensure accuracy and accountability.
Question 5: A peer's goal states: 'I want to feel better.' How should a peer specialist respond?
- Accept the goal as written since it is person-centered.
- Rewrite the goal without consulting the peer.
- Help the peer define what 'feel better' looks like in specific, measurable terms. (Correct answer)
- Tell the peer this is not a valid goal.
Correct answer: Help the peer define what 'feel better' looks like in specific, measurable terms.
Vague goals need to be made specific and measurable so progress can be tracked; this should happen through collaborative conversation.
Question 6: In peer support documentation, the term 'recovery-oriented' language means:
- Focusing only on symptoms and medication adherence.
- Emphasizing hope, strengths, and the individual's capacity to define their own recovery. (Correct answer)
- Documenting only formal treatment milestones.
- Using clinical diagnostic terminology consistently.
Correct answer: Emphasizing hope, strengths, and the individual's capacity to define their own recovery.
Recovery-oriented language centers hope, self-determination, and strengths rather than symptoms or clinical metrics.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes a short-term goal in an individualized service plan?
- A broad vision statement about the peer's long-term life direction.
- A specific step to be completed within a defined near-term timeframe. (Correct answer)
- A diagnosis-related benchmark set by the treatment team.
- An open-ended aspiration without a target date.
Correct answer: A specific step to be completed within a defined near-term timeframe.
Short-term goals are concrete, time-bound steps that move the individual toward a larger long-term vision.
PSS Documentation, Person-Centered Language, and Goal Setting 3
Which statement uses person-first language correctly?