How to Create a SMART Aim Statement Overview Your team is ready to make a change that requires a collective effort and focus. Essential in this achievement is the ability for all in the team to understand and align with what is trying to be accomplished. You can develop a precise, concise, and achievable aim statement by using the Worksheet for Creating a SMART Aim Statement below. Working with a team to create the Aim Statement 1. Fill in the empty boxes on the Worksheet for Creating a SMART Aim Statement with the parts of the statement that you believe satisfies each letter of the SMART acronym: S, M, A, R, T. 2. After you have finished entering each of the criteria, use the checklists below each letter in the acronym to see how solid your entries are. 3. Finally, form the Aim Statement at the bottom using the pertinent SMART elements. Example: Reduce the number of instruments used in XXXXX procedures by 40 percent by the end of month/year. Think your goal statement is SMART? Do this last test: Ask people outside of your team who are associated or affected by the aim statement to describe what it means to them. If the description is vague, ask them how you can make it clearer. Then have your team consider incorporating this input into the statement. Page 1 of 2 Worksheet for Creating a SMART Aim Statement S p e ci f i c ___What is the goal or intent? Precisely and concisely describe what is to be achieved. Remember: focus on achieving only ONE thing. Me a su r a b le ___There is a direct relation between the increase and the decrease of a measure and the attainment or loss of the goal. Tip: Start your aim statement with increase/decrease, then describe what will be measured. ___There are ways to measure and monitor progress over time, i.e., to take, collect and record the measurement. Atta i n a b l e ___The team can take action to overcome any known barriers to achieving the proposed measurable results. ___The "HOW" of achieving the goal in NOT part of the aim statement (this would restrict other plausible solutions). Relevant/ Realistic ___Given the resources available, it is within the team's ability to achieve, control or influence the aim’s attainment. ___There is no significant project or initiative that will compete with the time, attention or ability to achieve the goal. Time-framed ___The goal has a specific target date. If the timeline is beyond 6 months, there are interim milestones. Tip: Include language like, "achieve [intent] by [specific date.]" ___There is nothing that should compete with the time and attention needed to achieve the goal. Goal Statement Now, craft a clear, concise aim statement integrating the elements you outlined above. We will increase / decrease: ___________________________________ (outcome) from: ____________________________ (baseline %, rate, #, etc) to:____________________________ (future state %, rate, #, etc) by: _______________ (date, 3-6 month timeframe) in: _________________________________ (Population impacted) Adapted from tool Accessed 8/23/11 at http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=3&sqi=2&ved=0CCIQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mdanderson.org%2Feducation-andresearch%2Fresources-for-professionals%2Fclinical-tools-and-resources%2Fclinical-safety-and-effectiveness-educationalprogram%2Fpdca%2Fsmart-worksheet.doc&rct=j&q=aim%20worksheet&ei=UzZUTt6-McjhqgH7obB8&usg=AFQjCNGvKjYtoTUyV500YL_WOlPuGKIzg Page 2 of 2