Prompt: Plain-Language Explanation of a New Diagnosis

Use this prompt to generate a plain-English explanation of a newly diagnosed condition for a patient. Replace the items in {{double curly brackets}} with your own details.

Never paste real patient names, dates of birth, NHS numbers, or any other identifying information into an AI tool.

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The Prompt

Write a plain-English explanation of {{condition}} for a {{patient_age}}-year-old patient with {{patient_description — e.g. "no science background" or "a teacher who is comfortable with biology"}}.

Cover:
1. What the condition is and what causes it
2. Why the patient may be feeling the symptoms they have
3. What treatment aims to achieve
4. One honest, reassuring point about long-term outlook

Use short sentences and simple words. Use an analogy where it helps. Do not include specific drug names or doses. Warm, informative tone. Around 200 words.

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Why This Works

Giving the AI the patient's background and approximate reading level produces a more targeted explanation than a generic request. Asking for an analogy encourages the AI to use plain language rather than clinical terms. Specifying "no drug names or doses" keeps the output in the education zone, not the prescribing zone — so you can share it without it raising treatment questions the patient then worries about.

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How to Tweak It

• Add "Include a short section on what to do if symptoms get worse before the next appointment" for newly diagnosed patients who may feel anxious between visits.
• Change "Around 200 words" to "Around 400 words" if you want a more detailed document to hand to the patient in writing after the consultation.

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