What is documented about each problem assigned to the patient in the SOAP structure?

In the SOAP structure, which stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, each problem assigned to the patient is documented in the progress note section. This component of the SOAP note is critical because it captures the ongoing evaluation of the patient's issues and how they are being addressed over time.

The progress note provides a framework for tracking the patient’s response to treatment, updates on their condition, and any adjustments made to the treatment plan. This documentation is vital for ensuring continuity of care, allowing healthcare providers to make informed decisions based on the most recent information about the patient's status.

Other components, like the treatment plan or diagnostic rationale, focus on specific aspects but do not encompass the ongoing summarization of the patient’s condition and care as comprehensively as the progress note does. The patient history is foundational for understanding past health interactions but does not reflect the live, evolving nature of the patient's current issues and management as documented in the progress note.