What is APSO?
APSO stands for Assessment, Plan, Subjective, and Objective. This note format is structured to prioritise the clinician’s Assessment and Plan first, followed by the Subjective and Objective sections. It is commonly used in high-pressure environments or when a clinician prefers to focus on diagnosis and immediate management before detailing patient input or clinical findings.
📝 What is APSO?
APSO stands for Assessment, Plan, Subjective, and Objective. This note format is structured to prioritise the clinician’s Assessment and Plan first, followed by the Subjective and Objective sections. It is commonly used in high-pressure environments or when a clinician prefers to focus on diagnosis and immediate management before detailing patient input or clinical findings.
APSO is particularly suited for urgent care, specialty consults, and situations where a quick decision-making process is needed. It helps streamline documentation by placing emphasis on the clinical decision and next steps.
✏️ Structure
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Clinician’s interpretation of the patient’s condition — diagnosis, differential, or analysis. |
| Plan | Outline of the next steps — treatment, referrals, investigations, or follow-up. |
| Subjective | Information shared by the patient — symptoms, concerns, and relevant background. |
| Objective | Observable clinical data, such as vital signs, exam findings, or test results. |
🏥 When is it used?
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Fast-paced or emergency consults
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Acute care settings (e.g. urgent care, emergency departments)
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When clinicians prefer a diagnostic-first approach
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Specialty consults where clinical analysis and decision-making take precedence
👥 Who uses it?
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Emergency Medicine Clinicians
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Specialists (e.g. dermatology, cardiology)
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Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in urgent care settings
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General Practitioners during high-volume or triage consultations
🌍 Where is it available?
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Australia and New Zealand
APSO is used across both regions, particularly in urgent care settings and where quick clinical decision-making is key.
🔄 Key Differences from SOAP or HOPC
APSO differs from SOAP by moving the Assessment and Plan sections to the front, prioritising immediate clinical action. Unlike HOPC, which starts with the patient’s history, APSO focuses more on the clinician’s analysis and the next steps in the care plan.