1. Revision 1 CRAP Principle Revision 2 CRAP Principles
C.R.A.P. Can Improve SOAP Notes
Meghan West, Longwood University November 29th,2016
Background:
Using a generic SOAP Notes format, I used CRAP design principles to recreate two different formats of the document. After creating the documents, I conducted a Usability Test on two Communication Sciences and Disorders professors to see if my designs were successful. These results were written up into a report along with successes and recommendations provided.
Successes:
Contrast using box visuals on revision two as both participants were visual learners.
Alignment in visuals with the headings centered and the rest of the information left flushed.
Repetition of visuals for each section of SOAP by having a box specifically for each section.
Principles applied to revision two overall worked well for the participants and was the document they preferred to use.
Information broken down into individual sections help with identifying each.
Design Principles:
C: Contrast- Variation of elements to draw reader’s eye to page.
R: Repetition-creates unity throughout the piece.
A: Alignment- Each element must have visual connection and not be placed arbitrarily.
P: Proximity-Related elements must be grouped together.
Recommendations:
Add more space on revision two in the boxes in order for handwritten notes to be taken.
Add more lines on revision one for note taking.
Utilize the white space better on revision one since there was a lot of space at the bottom of the document.
Revision one needs more information and is not easy to follow.
Jargon on both needs to be more SLP related.
Subjective section on both is too complicated; should be short and to the point.
Client goals should be in the Objective section, not the Subjective section.
Revision 1 of SOAP Note
Revision 2 of SOAP Note
What are SOAP Notes?
SOAP Notes are a type of document used by Speech-Language Pathologist, and Health Care providers. The acronym stand for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. These notes are taking during each session and placed in the patient’s file afterwards.
Revision 1 CRAP Principle
Revision 2 CRAP Principles
C: Bolding of Headings- Draws reader to read them first and know what each section is about rather than guessing. Gives the reader a heads-up of what is coming up.
C: Boxes were used as visuals to draw the reader to this section. The information in the visuals is the most important and the boxes break up the information into smaller chunks.
R: Same typeface and size for headings. All headings are bolded and uniformed.
R: Typeface and size were the same for each heading similar to revision one. Typeface of information was also uniformed throughout the document.
A: Flushed left alignment- Information and headings are lined up on the left margin and easy for the reader to follow. Location of information is not arbitrary and each section has its corresponding information under the heading.
A: Flushed left alignment- Information provided in each box is flushed left, but the headings are centered. This allows the information to be written or typed to fill up the entire box, not just the center. This is also an element of contrast.
P: Related information is grouped together. Information pertaining to the subject/ client is placed in the subjective section.
P: Related information is grouped in the appropriate boxed section. Information in each section pertains to its heading and is placed in close proximity for easy note taking.
Relation to Speech-Language Pathology:
SLP’s use SOAP Notes in everyday evaluation and treatment of clients. They are responsible for recording observations accurately on this form so it’s design is important.
As seen in the photographs, SOAP Notes are brief and concise with along the most important information listed.
This enhancement will be helpful in the future if I choose to design my own SOAP Notes as I can use the successes and recommendations above to improve these documents as well as new ones I come across in my career.
Acknowledgements:
-Dr. Heather Lettner-Rust: For allowing me to enhance her Professional Writing Skills course and directing me in the right direction.
-Mrs. Wendy Pulliam CCC/SLP: For participating in my Usability Test and providing recommendations on the revisions made.
-Mrs. Stephanie Bailey CCC/SLP: For being the second participant in my Usability Test and provide critique and recommendations on the documents.
-Cormier Honors College: For encouraging and giving me the opportunity to complete enhancements.
Longwood University: For allowing me to obtain a higher education.
Citations:
Williams, R The Non-Designer’s Design Book. Berkeley, California. Peachpit Press.
Original SOAP Note