Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/86330
If you want to be thought of more highly, be recognized for your talent and art, and get better results, loyalty, and sales, then it's definitely time to use SOAP notes. In general, these are the steps and tools involved. 1. Client intake form, photographs, skin/face charts, client comment cards/surveys. 2. Personal interviews, skin analysis, and any other diagnostic tests. 3. Information on the client's goals, and results/findings from other practitioners who have worked with this client. 4. Creation, documentation, and sharing of a preliminary plan for treatment. 5. Client education on actions, products, and equipment used in treatment. 6. Documentation of home-care products, tools, or actions you recommended between visits. 7. Explanation of plan for future treatments and achievement of short- and long-term goals. Now let's look at each part of the SOAP process. Give Me an S Subjective refers to the process of hearing the client's comments, complaints, and symptoms, in his or her own words. This includes all the things clients tell you about how they are feeling in general, about their skin, their past skin care history and treatments, current concerns, what makes the issue better or worse, and any other details. This part of the process is vital to the success of both the treatment and the relationship. Many people want to establish a long-term relationship with a therapist who understands their needs and will deliver the results for which they are looking. It all starts with your ability to listen and ask good questions. Ask the client specific questions about his or her desired results. With issues such as acne or ingrown hair, talk about the location and frequency of the issue, and document specific areas on a face chart. Consider that some secondary goals (saving time and money, learning about new products, etc.) may also be among their reasons for coming in. These should be documented as well. Use reflective listening to confirm information: "Mary, what I heard you say was that your skin is drier than it used to be. I also understand your primary reason for getting a facial today is to look refreshed for your sister's wedding this weekend. Are those both accurate statements?" The client's subjective statements and answers to your questions will help you begin to create a plan for products and services. • Sample subjective client statements: "My skin seems really dry lately." "I've had this pimple for a month!" "I hate the crow's feet around my eyes." • Sample subjective practitioner questions: "What is your primary reason for today's visit?" "What is your reason for getting this chemical peel?" "What are your short-term and long-term goals for skin care?" "If you had to focus on one or two issues in particular, what would they be?" 32 ASCP Skin Deep November/December 2012 Give Me an O Objective relates to your own observations. This includes documenting what you see or feel on the client's skin; the client's overall mood, posture, and tension level; and anything else that may be relevant. You will combine these observations with the client's subjective comments to create your treatment plan. • Sample objective observations: "Skin analysis confirmed dry skin in the T-zone." "Client's skin reddened with initial cleansing done prior to analysis." "Small 1 millimeter-by-1 inch scar on the left side of the chin." • Ask for permission to provide suggestions: "May I provide other recommendations that will help you reach your goal of reducing the fine lines around your eyes?" • Suggest an initial plan: "Based on your goals and the dry skin I observed in your T-zone during your skin analysis, what I suggest for today's session is a hydrating facial with a chemical peel." • Check the client's communication preferences: "Do you want me to share information about the treatment and your skin with you during or after the facial?"