Which section of the SOAP format provides specific data collected from physical assessments?

The SOAP format is a widely used mnemonic in clinical settings for organizing patient information. Each section serves a distinct purpose. The "Objective" section specifically includes measurable, observable data collected from physical assessments and diagnostic tests. This may encompass vital signs, findings from physical examinations, lab results, and any other test results that give a factual account of the patient’s health status. This objective data provides a solid foundation for clinical decision-making and helps inform the subsequent assessment and plan of care.

In contrast, the "Subjective" section contains information that the patient shares about their experiences, symptoms, and feelings, which, while important, does not involve empirical or measurable data. The "Assessment" section involves the clinician's interpretation of the subjective and objective data, forming a diagnosis or identifying issues based on the combined information. Lastly, the "Plan" section outlines the intended course of action for the patient's treatment, which may include further tests, medications, or referrals, but does not present assay data from physical assessments. Thus, the Objective section is essential for capturing the specific data collected from physical assessments.