Prompt: CKD Stage Explanation Letter

CKD Stage Explanation Letter

Use this prompt to draft a plain-language explanation of a new CKD diagnosis for a patient — particularly one who has been given a stage number and is uncertain what it means.

Draft a patient letter explaining a new diagnosis of CKD 
(chronic kidney disease) to a patient aged [[patient_age — e.g. "62"]].

Diagnosis: [[stage — e.g. "CKD Stage 3a"]], cause 
[[cause — e.g. "hypertension and diabetes"]].

The letter should:
- Explain what the kidneys do in plain English
- Explain what eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) measures 
  — as a percentage of expected kidney function
- Explain what Stage [[stage_number — e.g. "3a"]] means 
  in practical terms
- Be honest that this is a condition that needs monitoring, 
  without being alarming
- Explain what the patient can do to slow progression: 
  blood pressure management, diabetes control, avoiding 
  nephrotoxic substances — in general terms only
- Note that monitoring will continue and when the next 
  review is planned

Do not include specific lab values or dietary advice beyond 
general principles. Tone: calm and honest. Maximum 350 words.

Why this works

Framing eGFR as "a percentage of expected kidney function" gives patients a concrete mental model — better than a raw number they have no context for. Asking the tool to address what the patient can do provides agency and reduces the feeling of helplessness that often accompanies a new chronic disease diagnosis.

How to tweak it

• For a patient who is alarmed and has been researching online, add: "Note that online information about CKD can be alarming and may describe later stages. Gently address this and explain that their stage is managed differently from end-stage kidney disease."
• For a patient with significant comorbidities, add: "Note that the patient also has [[comorbidity — e.g. 'type 2 diabetes']] and that managing both conditions together is important."

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