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The practice journal

Practical guides

Build a progress report from evidence you already have.

Connect the participant’s goals with recorded activity, outcomes and barriers. Make it clear what happened and what the evidence supports.

By CordoCare Team12 May 2026Updated 24 October 20262 min read
Editorial still life of green dividers holding connected paper records
Illustrative artwork for the CordoCare practice journal.

Show the change, then show the evidence

A progress report earns its value by making a period of work understandable. Start with the participant’s goal, describe the relevant activity and explain what changed. Avoid a long chronological list that leaves the reader to infer the outcome.

Use a small evidence table

GoalActivityEvidenceNext step
Fictional example: attend a local groupExplored two options and arranged an introductory visitParticipant feedback and dated contact notesCheck the participant’s preference after the second visit

The example records a sequence without claiming the goal has been achieved. Use the participant’s actual information and identify who reported each outcome.

Include barriers and incomplete work

A provider delay, unsuitable option or transport difficulty can be relevant to the story. Explain its effect and what was done in response. Keep an unsuccessful attempt visible when it helps explain the next recommendation.

Review the whole report

  • Does the reporting period match the evidence?
  • Are the participant’s views represented accurately?
  • Can a reader find the source for a material claim?
  • Are observations, reported information and professional opinion distinct?
  • Are recommendations within the author’s role?

Use the longer report outline or see how CordoCare brings participant notes and follow-up into view. Software can help organise the record; the author still needs to check the account.