In the context of SOAP, what does 'Subjective' information relate to?

The term 'Subjective' in the context of SOAP, which stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, refers specifically to information that is based on the patient’s own perceptions, beliefs, and experiences regarding their health. This includes symptoms that the patient reports, such as pain levels, feelings of dizziness, or descriptions of fatigue. This information is significant because it provides insight into the patient's condition from their perspective, which can influence diagnosis and treatment.

The other components of SOAP serve different purposes; for example, the 'Objective' part includes measurable and observable health data gathered by the healthcare provider, such as vital signs or results from diagnostic tests. This contrasts with the subjective information, which is not independently verifiable but is critical for understanding the patient's experience and framing the clinical picture.