Which statement best describes the relationship between prognosis and plan of care in PT?

• A. Prognosis is the same for all patients, regardless of context.
• B. The plan of care is chosen before any prognosis.
• C. Prognosis informs the plan of care, linking patient goals and expected outcomes.
• D. Plan of care should ignore prognosis to avoid discouragement.

Answer: (C)

Prognosis guides what you do in the plan of care. In physical therapy, prognosis is the realistic forecast of how much and how quickly a patient can improve with treatment, including expected functional outcomes, timeframes, and likely discharge settings. This forecast is individualized based on the person’s condition, other health factors, social support, and ability to participate.

Because prognosis outlines what’s achievable, the plan of care is built to reach those expected outcomes. The chosen interventions, their intensity and frequency, and the pace of progression are all aligned with the patient’s anticipated recovery and the goals that matter to them. Measurable goals are set to reflect the predicted improvements, and the plan can be adjusted if progress diverges from the forecast.

Other options don’t fit because prognosis varies between patients and should inform rather than be ignored or superseded by the plan. The plan isn’t chosen in isolation, and ignoring prognosis risks inappropriate goals or therapy intensity.