TY - JOUR T1 - The 4-h target: an example of destructive goal pursuit? JF - Emergency Medicine Journal JO - Emerg Med J SP - 219 LP - 221 DO - 10.1136/emj.2010.106179 VL - 29 IS - 3 AU - Richard David Hardern Y1 - 2012/03/01 UR - http://emj.bmj.com/content/29/3/219.abstract N2 - Destructive goal pursuit (DGP) is the situation in which goal setting becomes dysfunctional, leading to impaired performance. This paper considers the 4-h target against the model of DGP and finds many similarities. It does not attempt to provide a critique of the model, nor does it seek to review all the effects of the 4-h target. The need for multiple goals, for all domains of quality to be addressed in these, and for a focus on effective team working and team learning are emphasised. Targets, in a way analogous to drugs or other ‘therapeutic’ interventions, have the potential to cause adverse effects as well as positive ones. A greater understanding will help ensure their overall impact is as beneficial as positive. ER -