A SOAP note is a format that may be used for writing patient notes. It stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan. It is widely used in the United States, and it is also used in the United Kingdom in general practice and sometimes when reviewing patients on the ward. Components of a SOAP note Outpatient InpatientSubjective What the patient says    Presenting complaintHistory of presenting complaintSystems reviewSummary of medical history and medicationsSubjective description of how patient has been since last reviewExplore any symptomsObjective Anything measured/ examined/tested   Patient appearanceObservationsPhysical examination (tailor to complaint)Patient appearanceObservations (include trend and any temperature spikes)Other nursing charts, e.g. fluid balancePhysical examination (tailor to complaint)Test results (lab tests, radiology etc.)Assessment Doctor’s assessment of what is going on   Summary of the clinical problemDifferential diagnosis and clinical reasoningSummary (e.g. admission day, antibiotic/ post-op day number) Diagnosis/diagnoses/problem listPlan InvestigationsManagement plansSafety-net (tell the patient when to re-seek medical advice)InvestigationsManagement plans