When documenting that a patient experiences headaches while reading from a computer monitor, where should this information be recorded in the SOAP format?

In the SOAP format, subjective information pertains to the patient's personal experiences, feelings, or perceptions. This includes symptoms they report that cannot be directly observed by others, such as headaches. When a patient communicates that they experience headaches while reading from a computer monitor, it reflects their individual experience of discomfort, which is inherently subjective.

Recording this information in the subjective section allows for a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition from their perspective. It forms an important piece of the patient's overall evaluation and aids in diagnosing potential issues related to their visual comfort or any underlying medical conditions.

In contrast, the objective section would document measurable or observable findings, the assessment consists of a professional interpretation of the subjective and objective data, and the plan outlines the course of action regarding treatment or further investigation. Thus, the patient's report of headaches belongs appropriately in the subjective section.