What is the purpose of a care plan?

The purpose of a care plan is to outline specific needs and goals for care. A care plan is a tailored document developed for an individual receiving care, detailing their unique health requirements, preferences, and the goals to be achieved through interventions. It serves as a comprehensive guide for caregivers, healthcare providers, and family members, ensuring that everyone involved in the person's care understands the objectives and the necessary steps to meet those goals. This structured approach helps to promote personalized care, enhance communication amongst the care team, and facilitate interventions that lead to improved health outcomes.

In contrast, while a general overview of health status and documenting patient medication history are important aspects of healthcare, they do not encapsulate the full purpose of a care plan. Additionally, minimizing communication with healthcare providers would be counterproductive, as effective communication is essential for the success of a care plan and the coordination of care.