What kind of information is found in the 'Subjective' portion of a SOAP note?

The 'Subjective' portion of a SOAP note is dedicated to the information that comes directly from the patient. This includes their personal experiences, feelings, perceptions, and reported symptoms or complaints regarding their health condition. The purpose of this section is to capture the patient's narrative about their symptoms and how those symptoms affect their daily life, which can provide crucial context for healthcare providers in diagnosing and planning treatment.

By focusing on patient-reported outcomes, the 'Subjective' section allows healthcare providers to understand the impact of the illness on the patient's life and gather insights that may not be evident through physical examination or clinical measurements. This foundational information is vital in forming a holistic view of the patient's health status and ensuring that their concerns and inputs are considered in their care plan.