Final answer:
The 'plan' portion of the SOAP note is where healthcare providers document the intervention and treatment plan, diagnostic tests, and patient education. It outlines the next steps for the patient's care, including medications, referrals, and follow-up appointments.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 'plan' portion of the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) note, healthcare providers chart several important pieces of information that will direct patient care. This section typically includes the proposed intervention and treatment plan, needed diagnostic tests, and education for the patient.
It serves to outline the next steps following a patient's assessment. When creating a chart or plan, it is crucial to note the specific observations that led to the current assessment, the expected outcomes of the proposed interventions, and contingency plans if modifications to the plan are needed.
Specific things that are charted can include medication prescriptions, referrals to specialists, scheduling of follow-up appointments, and instructions for home care or lifestyle modifications. Additionally, LibreTexts™ suggests that it's helpful to make a chart to record your findings methodically, thus ensuring a detailed approach to patient care and facilitating ongoing assessment of the patient's progress.