What Are DAP Notes?
Mental healthcare providers use DAP notes to record the progress of a client. It is a structure that standardises how information is recorded in clinical notes so that it makes logical sense to the reader (often, this will be another healthcare provider).
Electronic medical record (EMR) software makes it possible for healthcare providers to digitally document client progress using DAP notes for complete yet concise records that are easily accessible.
Clear, organised DAP notes offer several benefits, including:
- Time-saving: Accessible digital templates provide a framework for what to include in your notes.
- Protection: DAP notes protect practitioners, should a case be reviewed by a standards committee.
- Ease of reference: DAP notes make it easy for other health professionals to review your notes.
- Service excellence: Detailed, accessible records mean you can offer the best care.
- Compliance: DAP notes ensure you stay in line with record-keeping guidelines required by your professional association and country.
Well-written progress notes are also ultimately a reflection of a practitioner’s level of professionalism, so it’s worth ensuring that the method you use to record progress notes is streamlined and efficient.
What Does DAP Stand for?
DAP stands for Data, Assessment, and Plan. They are similar to SOAP notes, except that the first two sections in a SOAP note (the Subjective and Objective sections) are combined into one section, called the Data section. This is because it’s often hard to distinguish between the two. The Data section is then followed by the Assessment and Plan sections. Each section builds on the previous section.
Data
Here, only factual information is recorded about a session with a client. Examples of factual information include:
- Why the client booked a session
- The condition the client is in physically and mentally
- The client’s feedback on events or symptoms since the last session
- Test results
- Measures implemented during a session
Assessment
Here the health practitioner analyses the data that’s been gathered and draws conclusions that are clearly supported by the data. Examples of conclusions to draw in the Assessment section are:
- How a client responded to measures applied in a session
- How the client’s condition is improving
- Whether session outcomes are achieved
- Whether a client’s diagnosis should change
- Any risks associated with the client’s condition and measures to address it
Plan
Finally, the health practitioner maps out a plan for upcoming treatment. This plan can comprise elements like:
- Adjustments to the way the client is being treated
- Instructions and referrals to be given to the client
- Any additional healthcare practitioners to be involved
- Details of upcoming sessions (such as the time and date)
Who Uses DAP Notes?
DAP notes are typically used in the mental and behavioural health fields by HIPAA-compliant psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and other mental health professionals.
However, it is a framework that healthcare practitioners often use in other disciplines.
How to Write a DAP Note
During a session with a client, a healthcare provider will often write down a few keywords or phrases, and only once the session has ended will a more detailed DAP note be completed. This way, clients don’t get distracted by a healthcare provider taking notes during a session.
Learning how to write a DAP note takes practice, so don’t be too hard on yourself initially.
Tips for Writing Effective DAP Notes
- Focus on simplicity and clarity: It’s important to decide what information you want to include in your DAP note as a rule and what you want to leave out. The point is to record helpful information only. The length of your DAP note will depend on how well a client is progressing. The note will typically be longer when a client doesn’t progress as expected.
- Understand your intended outcome: Determine the format of your progress notes by imagining that you’re reading a DAP note written by someone else. What would help you scan it and understand the information well? Perhaps short key phrases in one section and a numbered list in another?
- Use robust software to stay organised: Using software like Power Diary to record your DAP notes will help you navigate to important information quickly later on. While you could use a DAP note template, then write it by hand and upload it to the software, recording the DAP note directly into the software is more efficient and accurate. In addition, well-designed software can add value to your notes with elements like charts.
DAP Note Example
Here’s a simple DAP note example to get you started:
Data
Second follow-up session today. John was calm and composed, with good eye contact and rapport established. He confirmed that he’s been following the relaxation strategies I provided him in the previous session with good effect – states his mood has improved and able to relax after work more easily. Despite same John reported ongoing regular occasions where he can’t initiate sleep at night due to anxiety. He reported worry about his mother’s ill health (advanced cancer) is contributing to his current sleep difficulties.
Assessment
John has made significant gains since his last session and is applying provided strategies effectively. John’s concern regarding his mother’s health is understandable however he appears to feel an excessive level of responsibility for her care which is exacerbating his anxiety and contributing to his initial insomnia. Discussed this with John and together identified realistic limits to the care he could provide. John engaged well in this process and it appeared to reduce his concerns in this area.
Plan
Review in two weeks. Assess if anxiety and sleep improved following today’s session.
Improve the Note Writing Process with EMR Software
EMR software like Power Diary speeds up your note-taking and ensures that your notes contain helpful information with a logical layout. The software lets you create a DAP note template that suits your specific needs. This capability will be right at your fingertips if you need different templates for a first meeting, a follow-up phone call, sequential sessions, and more.
What Is EMR Software?
EMR stands for electronic medical records. EMR software helps healthcare providers streamline workflows in their practice, from booking appointments and automating appointment reminders for clients to recording client information, including their details and medical records and invoicing.
Choosing EMR Software for DAP Notes
Different healthcare professionals will benefit from different features offered by EMR software. Before making a decision on EMR software for your practice, you should ask the following questions:
- Does the software offer all the features you need?
- Is there a pricing structure that lets you pay a competitive rate corresponding to the size of your practice?
- Are all the required features included in the pricing option that you want?
- Is the software well suited to the industry you’re in?
- Will you be getting the best value for money?
Look at online reviews or sign up for a free trial to find out what will work for you.
Beneficial Features of Power Diary
Power Diary simplifies life for both healthcare providers and their clients with these outstanding features:
- Customisable templates for DAP notes
- An all-in-one solution that links all aspects of the client’s information
- Online bookings with safe ways to pay and sophisticated management of outstanding accounts
- Customisable forms for data collection and client consent
- Different ways to connect with clients and check in with them or send appointment reminders
- Management of all a client’s information and history without the need to leave the system
- Hassle-free integration with complementary software
- Calendar management that can integrate several calendars and let you keep waiting lists
- The functionality to conduct secure and compliant telehealth sessions
Make DAP Notes More Efficient with Power Diary
Not all practice management systems have enough flexibility when it comes to session note functionality, which can make setting up customised DAP note templates frustrating.
Power Diary was co-founded by a psychologist and has therefore been pressure-tested to meet the specific needs of mental healthcare professionals. Get started by booking a demo or signing up for a free trial today.
