In a secondary assessment, what does the "P" in "SOAP" format stand for?

In the SOAP format, widely used in medical documentation, the "P" stands for "Plan." This component outlines the next steps in patient management following the assessment, which may include treatment protocols, follow-up actions, or referrals for further care. It is essential for guiding both immediate and long-term patient care and ensures continuity in treatment by clearly stating the interventions that need to be implemented based on the evaluation of the patient's condition. By detailing the Plan, healthcare providers can communicate effectively about the best course of action tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

The other options do not align with the established acronym: “Problem” refers to the diagnosis, “Procedure” involves specific actions taken or tests performed, and “Presentation” pertains to the way symptoms or signs manifest in the patient. These concepts are important in their own contexts but do not specifically represent the "P" in SOAP.