Which method is used for tracking the patient's condition over time?

The method used for tracking a patient's condition over time is the problem-oriented medical record (POMR). This approach organizes a patient's information based on specific problems they are experiencing, allowing healthcare providers to document, monitor, and evaluate each issue systematically. Each problem can be addressed and updated in a structured manner, which aids in continuity of care and clear communication among medical team members.

POMR enhances the ability to track progress, determine the effectiveness of treatments, and make informed decisions regarding future care. Because each medical problem is documented with its own assessment and plan, it enables healthcare providers to see the evolution of each condition and adjust their strategies based on how the patient responds to interventions.

While SOAP notes provide a structured framework for individual patient encounters and are useful for in-the-moment documentation, they do not facilitate long-term tracking of a patient's overall condition as effectively as POMR. Narrative documentation focuses more on telling a story regarding patient care, which may lack the clarity and organization needed for monitoring over time. Standardized testing reports primarily provide results from specific assessments rather than tracking the ongoing health status or management of a patient over an extended period.