What does the SOAP in SOAP note stand for?

The acronym SOAP stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. This format is widely used in healthcare for documenting patient interactions and care plans, as it provides a structured way to capture and communicate key information.

"Subjective" refers to the personal experiences and feelings conveyed by the patient, including symptoms and concerns that may not be measurable. The "Objective" portion includes observable and measurable data collected during the examination, such as vital signs and physical findings. The "Assessment" section synthesizes the information gathered, allowing the healthcare provider to evaluate the patient's condition. Finally, "Plan" outlines the intended course of action based on the assessment, which may include further testing, treatments, or referrals.

This structured approach enhances communication among healthcare providers and ensures that all necessary components of patient care are considered and documented systematically. The other choices do not accurately reflect the widely accepted terminology and structure used in clinical documentation.