Prompt: Dialysis Options Comparison Document

Dialysis Options Comparison Document

Use this prompt to draft a pre-consultation comparison document explaining the main kidney replacement options for a patient approaching the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT).

Draft a plain-language comparison document for a patient aged 
[[patient_age — e.g. "68"]] who is approaching the need for 
kidney replacement therapy.

Patient context: [[context — e.g. "lives alone, retired, lives 
30 minutes from the nearest dialysis centre, values independence 
and time at home"]].

Compare these options:
1. Haemodialysis in a dialysis centre
2. Peritoneal dialysis at home
3. Conservative kidney management 
   (also called supportive or palliative kidney management)

For each option:
- What it involves day to day
- How much time it takes and where it happens
- Key practical advantages for someone in this patient's situation
- Key practical challenges for someone in this situation
- Any specific considerations relevant to their context

Do not recommend an option. Do not include clinical eligibility 
criteria. The goal is to help the patient understand what each 
option means for their daily life before the consultation.

Tone: balanced, clear, and respectful. Acknowledge that this is 
a significant decision. Maximum 600 words.

Why this works

Framing each option in terms of daily life rather than clinical criteria gives the patient a basis for thinking about what suits their situation — which is what the modality choice ultimately depends on. The instruction to give equal weight to advantages and challenges prevents the document from inadvertently steering the patient toward any option.

How to tweak it

• To include home haemodialysis as a fourth option for suitable patients, add: "Also include home haemodialysis as an option, with the same structure. Note that this requires specific training and not all patients are suitable."
• For a patient with a supportive partner at home, modify the context: "Patient has an actively involved partner who is keen to participate in care. Reflect the role of family support in the practical considerations for each option."

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