In a SOAP note, what does the "S" stand for?

In a SOAP note, the "S" stands for "Subjective." This section is dedicated to the patient’s personal account of their symptoms, feelings, and concerns. It captures the patient's perspective and includes their descriptions of how they are feeling, any pain they are experiencing, and other emotional or psychological factors that may impact their health. This information is crucial as it provides context to the clinician about the patient's condition and perception of their health status.

The subjective component is vital for creating a complete picture of the patient's health, which informs the healthcare provider's decision-making about diagnosis and treatment. It contrasts with the objective data gathered through physical examinations, tests, and observations, which are documented in the "O" section of the SOAP note.