What is prognosis?

• A. Optimal level of improvement, best guess, SMART goals, unique to each patient
• B. A fixed cure time
• C. A measure of patient satisfaction
• D. A summary of past medical history

Answer: (A)

Prognosis is the forecast of how a condition will progress and what outcome to expect for a patient. It involves estimating how much improvement might occur, how the condition is likely to evolve over time, and the typical timeframe for those changes, all tailored to the individual’s circumstances. That’s why the description that emphasizes an optimal level of improvement, a best-guess outlook about the future course, and planning with SMART goals that are unique to each patient fits best. Prognosis is not a fixed cure time, a measure of patient satisfaction, or a summary of past medical history. It guides expectations and helps shape realistic treatment goals.