What does “S” in SOAP stand for?

In the context of medical documentation and clinical assessments, the "S" in SOAP stands for "Subjective." This component of the SOAP note reflects the patient's personal perspective on their condition, including their symptoms, feelings, and experiences. Subjective data is gathered through patient interviews and includes information that may not be directly observed or measured by the healthcare professional.

For instance, when a patient describes their pain level, emotions, or how an illness affects their daily life, this information is categorized as subjective. It is essential because it provides context and insight into the patient's health from their point of view, helping healthcare providers to understand the impact of illness and tailor treatment plans accordingly.

In contrast, the other terms listed are not related to the SOAP framework used in clinical documentation. "Sensitive," "Standardized," and "Systematic" do not fit into the structured approach for organizing patient information within the SOAP note format. The SOAP structure is widely used in various health settings to ensure a thorough and organized way of documenting patient care, with "S" specifically representing the subjective information provided by the patient.