In physical therapy documentation, what does SOAP stand for?

The correct answer, which stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, represents a widely accepted documentation format in physical therapy and other healthcare disciplines.

In this framework, "Subjective" refers to the patient's reported experiences, symptoms, and concerns, providing valuable insights into their condition from their perspective. "Objective" includes observable and measurable data, such as physical examination findings, test results, and other clinical observations that the therapist gathers.

The "Assessment" component is the therapist's clinical judgment based on the subjective and objective data, forming a diagnosis or identifying progress and challenges in the patient's recovery. Finally, the "Plan" outlines the proposed interventions, treatment goals, and next steps, ensuring that the care being provided is tailored to the individual patient’s needs.

This structured approach to documentation not only helps in formulating a comprehensive treatment strategy but also enhances communication among healthcare providers, facilitates continuity of care, and supports accountability in the therapeutic process.