The Envelo cushion provides excellent pressure redistribution and comes as standard on all Seating Matters chairs, meeting the clinical needs of most clients.
Seating Matters specialises in clinical, therapeutic seating solutions designed to improve patient care and safety, offering products for pressure injury prevention, postural support, and mobility assistance in healthcare settings.
Mastering SOAP Notes for Better Seating Outcomes in Occupational Therapy
9th May, 2025
In the world of Occupational Therapy, precision and clarity in documentation can make all the difference. One of the most effective tools for structured clinical documentation is the SOAP note—an acronym for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. While SOAP notes are widely used across therapy disciplines, their value in seating and positioning interventions is particularly significant. At Seating Matters, where our focus is on optimising posture, function, and comfort through clinically-based seating solutions, integrating SOAP notes ensures better client outcomes and communication across the care team.
S: Subjective – The Client’s Voice
This section captures the client's or caregiver’s perspective. When assessing seating needs, it’s critical to document:
>The client’s complaints of discomfort or pain in their current seating
>Perceived difficulties during daily activities (e.g., sliding forward, fatigue)
>Caregiver concerns about transfers, repositioning, or pressure injuries
Example:
“Client reports increased lower back pain after sitting for more than 30 minutes in current wheelchair. Caregiver notes difficulty repositioning client without assistance.”
O: Objective – What You Observe
This is where you record measurable and observable data during the seating assessment. Use this space to describe:
>Functional status during activities in current setup
Example: “Client presents with posterior pelvic tilt and mild thoracic kyphosis. Current seating shows no lateral trunk support. Observed frequent forward sliding within 10 minutes of upright sitting.”
A: Assessment – Clinical Interpretation
This section connects the dots. Based on subjective input and objective data, provide your clinical judgment:
>Identify issues with current seating that contribute to the client’s dysfunction or discomfort >Highlight risks (e.g., pressure ulcers, reduced functional independence) >Determine whether current seating supports therapeutic goals
Example:
“Client’s postural instability and lack of lateral support likely contributing to poor sitting tolerance and increased caregiver burden. Current wheelchair does not meet clinical needs for positioning and pressure management.”
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Outline your intervention strategy. For seating-related SOAP notes, the plan may include:
Trialing alternative seating systems like the Sorrento or Milano chair
Adjusting cushion or backrest configuration
Collaborating with a seating specialist or referring to a supplier
Scheduling follow-up for fit checks and client feedback
Example: “Initiate trial with Sorrento tilt-in-space chair to improve pelvic positioning and reduce forward sliding. Educate caregiver on repositioning techniques. Review skin integrity in 1 week.”
Why SOAP Notes Matter for Seating
SOAP notes ensure that clinical reasoning is transparent and that interventions are tailored, traceable, and defensible. For therapists using Seating Matters equipment, structured documentation helps justify seating changes, enhances interprofessional communication, and supports funding or insurance claims.
By integrating SOAP notes into your seating assessments, you’re not just improving documentation—you’re elevating the standard of care.
Conclusion
Seating is more than just a chair—it’s a foundation for function, dignity, and quality of life. Using SOAP notes in your seating evaluations empowers you to make evidence-based decisions and advocate effectively for your clients.
Want help choosing the right chair for your client’s needs? Contact our Seating Specialists for a free consultation or explore our clinically-designed seating solutions at Seating Matters.
** Note - the purpose of this blog is to give an overview of the product with some tips to consider on its use. This is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis, prescription or treatment and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. For advice with your personal health or that of someone in your care, consult your doctor or appropriate medical professional.
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