In the SOAP acronym, what does the 'S' represent?

In the SOAP acronym, the 'S' stands for "Subjective." This component of the SOAP note system is crucial because it encompasses the patient's personal experience and narrative regarding their health condition. It includes symptoms reported by the patient, such as pain levels, emotional state, and any other feelings or concerns they express during the consultation. This subjective information is essential for healthcare providers to understand the patient's perspective and to form an accurate clinical picture that guides diagnosis and treatment. By capturing the patient's subjective feelings, providers can tailor their approach to better meet the individual needs of the patient.