Prompt: AKI Plain-Language Patient Explanation

AKI Patient Plain-Language Explanation

Use this prompt to draft a patient-facing explanation of an acute kidney injury episode — suitable for giving to the patient on discharge or at a follow-up appointment.

Draft a plain-language letter explaining an acute kidney injury 
(AKI) episode to a patient aged [[patient_age — e.g. "70"]].

Context: AKI precipitated by [[cause — e.g. "dehydration during a 
gastrointestinal illness"]], in the context of [[background — e.g. 
"pre-existing mild chronic kidney disease"]]. The patient recovered 
well and kidney function has returned to near baseline.

The letter should:
- Explain what acute kidney injury means in plain English
- Explain why this episode happened, in terms the patient can 
  understand
- Explain that the kidneys have recovered on this occasion
- Describe what to do during future illnesses to reduce the 
  risk of recurrence — specifically: stay well hydrated, 
  seek medical advice early if unwell and unable to drink, 
  and hold certain medications during illness 
  (to be listed specifically by the clinician)
- Explain that follow-up is planned and when
- Explain what symptoms should prompt urgent medical attention

Do not name specific medications — I will add those. 
Tone: clear, reassuring, and practical. Maximum 350 words.

Why this works

Patients who understand what caused their AKI and what to do differently in future are better equipped to prevent recurrence. The explicit instruction about medication management during illness is critical — but the specific medications must be added by the clinician, as these vary by patient. The prompt leaves this as a placeholder to prevent the tool from generating inaccurate drug guidance.

How to tweak it

• For a patient with recurrent AKI, change the tone slightly: "This patient has had a previous episode of AKI. Acknowledge this and emphasise that early action during illness is particularly important."
• For a patient whose AKI was precipitated by a medication, add: "Note that one of the patient's medications was held during this admission. Add a note that the patient should always tell any treating clinician about this history."

Remember: AI is a helpful assistant, not a clinician. You make the call.