What does SOAP stand for in the context of medical assessments?

SOAP stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan, which is a widely used framework in medical assessments for organizing patient information and facilitating effective communication among healthcare providers.

In this format, 'Subjective' refers to the information reported by the patient, including their feelings, symptoms, and concerns, which helps to capture the patient's perspective and experience. 'Objective' involves observable and measurable data collected during the examination, such as vital signs, physical findings, and results from diagnostic tests.

The 'Assessment' phase synthesizes the subjective and objective information to arrive at a clinical impression or diagnosis based on the gathered data. Finally, 'Plan' outlines the recommended course of action for treatment, further tests, or referrals needed to address the patient’s condition.

Using the SOAP method enhances the clarity and consistency of medical records, allowing for a structured approach to patient evaluation and management. This format is particularly valuable for healthcare professionals as it aids in diagnosing, planning treatment, and tracking progress over time.