In a SOAP note, what does the 'Plan' primarily outline?

In a SOAP note, the 'Plan' section primarily outlines the necessary interventions and follow-up strategies determined for the client's care. This section provides a clear and structured approach to what actions will be taken after assessing the client's needs in the previous sections of the note—Subjective (the client's perspective) and Objective (observations and measurements).

The 'Plan' includes specifics such as prescribed treatments, recommended therapies, referrals to specialists, or any changes in care that are deemed necessary based on the assessment. It ensures that there is a roadmap for achieving the desired health outcomes for the client, allowing all health care team members to know the next steps in the client's care process. This section is essential for ensuring continuity of care and for tracking the effectiveness of interventions over time.