What does the acronym SOAP stand for in patient documentation?

The acronym SOAP stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, which is a widely used method for documenting patient information in clinical settings.

In this framework, the "Subjective" portion captures the patient's own experiences, concerns, or symptoms expressed during the consultation, allowing healthcare providers to understand the patient's perspective. The "Objective" section includes measurable and observable data collected during the examination, such as vital signs, physical findings, and diagnostic test results. The "Assessment" part is where the clinician synthesizes the information gathered in the subjective and objective sections to formulate a diagnosis or clinical impression. Finally, the "Plan" outlines the next steps for treatment, including any interventions, referrals, or further investigations that need to be undertaken.

This structured approach ensures comprehensive documentation and effective communication among healthcare providers, enhancing patient care. In contrast, the other options do not align with established clinical documentation standards and therefore lack the precise definitions associated with the acronym SOAP.