Prompt: ICD Patient Education and Explanation Letter
A copy-paste-ready prompt for drafting a clear, sensitive patient education letter explaining an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and what living with one involves.
ICD Patient Education and Explanation Letter
Use this prompt to draft a letter for a patient who has just been implanted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) — or who is preparing for one. The ICD carries more emotional weight than a pacemaker for many patients. The letter should acknowledge that.
Draft a patient education letter about an implantable cardioverter-
defibrillator (ICD) for a patient aged [[patient_age — e.g. "52"]]
who has [[timing — e.g. "just had an ICD implanted" or "been listed
for ICD implantation"]] for [[indication — e.g. "primary prevention
in the context of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction" or
"secondary prevention following a ventricular arrhythmia"]].
Their main concern is: [[main_concern — e.g. "what it will feel like
if the device delivers a shock" or "whether they can return to their
normal physical activities"]].
Cover:
- What an ICD does in plain English (monitors heart rhythm and treats
dangerous fast rhythms with a shock or pacing)
- The difference between a shock and pacing therapy — and that the
device uses the gentler therapy first where possible
- What a shock feels like — honest, not alarming
- Day-to-day life with an ICD — activity, driving (note DVLA guidance
applies and they will be given specific advice), electrical equipment
- Situations requiring specific advice: MRI, surgical procedures,
any procedure involving electrical equipment
- Symptoms requiring contact with the device clinic
- Follow-up plan
Address their main concern directly.
Tone: honest, calm, and humane. This is a significant device for many
patients. Acknowledge that. Maximum 450 words.
Why this works
The explicit instruction to be "honest about what a shock feels like" prevents the tool from producing vague reassurance that leaves patients unprepared. Patients who know what to expect — that a shock is unpleasant but brief — cope better when it happens than patients who were given only gentle reassurance. Honest preparation is kinder than avoidance.
How to tweak it
- For a patient with significant anxiety about the device, add: "This patient has expressed significant anxiety about living with the ICD. Include a sentence acknowledging that it is normal to have mixed feelings about the device and that psychological support is available."
- For a patient whose device was implanted following a cardiac arrest, add: "This patient had a cardiac arrest. The letter should acknowledge the seriousness of what happened without being alarming, and explain that the ICD is there specifically to prevent this from happening again."
Remember: AI is a helpful assistant, not a clinician. You make the call.
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