The first thing you'll want to set in your Note Preferences is your note format -- the structure Quill uses when generating your progress notes.
What is a note format?
A note format is just the structure of your progress note. Different formats organize information in different ways, and different employers, insurers, or licensing boards may have preferences.
Quill currently supports five formats:
- SOAP -- Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
- DAP -- Data, Assessment, Plan
- BIRP -- Behavior, Intervention, Response, Plan
- PIRP -- Problem, Intervention, Response, Plan
- SIMPLE -- A straightforward narrative format without rigid sections
Each format has its own strengths, and there's no single "right" choice. It depends on your practice, your clients, and your documentation requirements.
How to change your note format
Step 1: Go to Note Preferences. You can access them on the note generation page (look for the "Note Preferences" box and click "Edit Preferences") or on the My Account page.
Step 2: You'll see a dropdown labeled "Note Format". Click it and choose from SOAP, DAP, BIRP, PIRP, or SIMPLE.
Step 3: Click "Save Preferences" and you're done. The next time you generate a note, Quill will use this format.
Can I change formats on the fly?
Yes! If you use different formats depending on the client or situation (for example, one format for insurance and another for private pay), you can change your note format right before generating a note.
Just edit your preferences on the note generation page, select a different format, save, and generate. Your preference will be updated for future notes too -- so if you want to switch back, just change it again.
Which format should I use?
That depends on your needs. Here are some quick guidelines:
- SOAP is one of the most widely recognized formats, especially in medical settings.
- DAP is a bit more streamlined and popular among mental health professionals.
- BIRP and PIRP focus more on interventions and client responses -- great if your documentation needs to emphasize clinical action.
- SIMPLE works well if you prefer a narrative style without strict sections.
If you're not sure, try generating a note in a couple different formats and see which feels right. You can always change it later.
Want more detail on each format?
We have a dedicated note formats guide with breakdowns, examples, and templates for each format. Check it out if you want to dive deeper.
