Who can provide subjective information in a SOAP assessment?

In a SOAP assessment, subjective information is derived from the perspectives and reports of those directly involved in the situation. This encompasses not only the patient but also family members and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel.

The patient's firsthand account is crucial as it includes their symptoms, feelings, and experiences. However, family members can provide additional context that might not be immediately available from the patient, such as changes in behavior or historical information about the patient's condition. EMS personnel may also offer subjective observations based on their interactions during transport or their assessment protocols, which can help contribute to a fuller picture of the patient's health status.

This multi-faceted approach to gathering subjective information allows healthcare professionals to better understand the patient's situation, guiding more effective assessment and intervention.