DARP notes examples

If you’re wondering “What are DARP notes?” and looking for DARP notes examples, this article has everything you need. 

What are DARP notes?

DARP notes are a systematic way of charting patient encounters in an organized method, allowing for the full encounter to be written in a structured fashion.

DARP is an acronym for data, assessment, response, and plan.

Medical professionals, including nurse practitioners, have many patient encounters and must document these interactions appropriately.

One approach to clinical documentation is the DARP notes format. Luckily, there are DARP notes examples and templates to create and store these types of notes in psychiatric nurse practitioner software.

DARP notes template

In the DARP notes template, D stands for data. The data section in DARP notes includes objective and subjective information regarding the encounter.

Objective data is information that can be observed and measured, such as vital signs, laboratory results, diagnostic results, and/or physical examination findings.

Subjective data is information that comes from the patient’s perspective, such as feelings, symptoms, and/or pain.

All the information presented or observed during the encounter can be placed in this section. The information in this section will assist the professional in connecting similar findings, allowing them to see the full picture.

A, in DARP notes, stands for assessment, and this section includes a synopsis of all the information gathered by the professional.

This section usually concentrates on the professional interpreting the information available, focusing on the development and then acknowledging parts that need more attention.

This section is for professional exploration and assessment of the data provided, allowing for the synergy of general ideas and concepts. The items obtained in the D section provide the space for the professional to create the A section.

R, in DARP notes, stands for response, and this section includes the client’s response to a strategy, intervention, or technique, with the professional summarizing the overall implications of the response.

This section allows the professional to make adjustments and determine the plan’s proficiency. The response will also allow for progress evaluation and provide the professional with definitive results to appraise.

P, in DARP notes, stands for plan, and this section includes a roadmap for future encounters.

This section is unique in that it can include many things, from treatment plans to intervention goals, to additional tasks and professional referrals. This section can be customized to reflect the tasks or priorities the professional feels the client needs. This section will summarize the overall plan and provide the next steps.

DARP notes are a great clinical documentation tool therapists, nurse practitioners, and other clinicians use to save time while providing comprehensive client plans.

As you can see from the DARP notes examples below, using this method allows for both subjective and objective information to be presented. The DARP notes format helps to organize the necessary evidence for the clinician to draw accurate conclusions.

DARP notes examples

Below are some DARP notes examples for the various sections.

D: Data section example

• The client reports feelings of anxiety and fear over their upcoming thesis presentation. The client reports symptoms of restlessness, dizziness, and irritability x2 days since she began working on her thesis presentation. She states she is unable to dress, bathe, or perform hygienic activities due to her anxiety. She also states she is unable to converse with friends and family due to her anxiety. Anxiety level 8 out of 10.
  
•  Temp 98.7 oral, blood pressure 120/74, heart rate 72, respiratory rate 20, SpO2 100% on room air.

A: Assessment section example

• The client’s symptoms suggest anxiety triggered by a recent educational project. These symptoms interfere with the client’s inability to perform activities of daily living and her social relationships.

R: Response section example

• Discussed the client’s feelings regarding her thesis presentation. Provided anxiety strategies, which included cognitive restructuring, guided discovery, thought recording, behavior activation, and stress reduction techniques. The client’s response was one of honesty and openness towards the process. The client is receptive to learning and using the strategies provided. Activities include breathing exercises, visualization, and journaling.

P: Plan section example

• Schedule weekly sessions to assist the client in anxiety management, along with assignments and activities before each session. The plan is to provide proper coping mechanisms for anxiety, allowing her the ability to perform activities of daily living and retain her social relationships.

A modified form of DARP notes, called DAP notes, has the response section removed.

The goal is to provide a methodical way to document sessions with clients or patients, ensuring each encounter has the needed information for appropriate appraisal and billing.

Both DARP notes and DAP notes allow clinicians to link fragmented pieces of information and construct a complete picture of what the client is presenting with.

Then, the clinician uses that full picture and creates a care plan.

Creating a plan can be difficult, as information is often scattered and complex.

However, with DARP notes charting, the clinician can align similar material, making the process of creating a care strategy seamless.

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