Prompt: Patient Explanation of a Test or Procedure

Use this prompt to draft a patient-friendly explanation of an investigation or procedure you have requested. 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 {{procedure_or_investigation — e.g. "a short Synacthen test" or "a 24-hour urine collection for catecholamines" or "a dynamic pituitary function test"}} for a patient.

Cover:
1. What the test or procedure is, in plain language
2. Why it has been recommended (general reasons, not specific to one patient)
3. What will happen on the day — described in general steps, not specific timings or drug doses
4. Common things patients experience during or after
5. When and how they will typically receive their results

Simple language, short paragraphs. Reassuring but honest tone. Do not include specific drug names, doses, or timing protocols. Around 250 words.

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Why This Works

Patients who understand what is about to happen are less anxious and more likely to complete the investigation correctly — especially for tests that require fasting, specific timing, or patient cooperation. This prompt produces a readable pre-procedure document that you review and hand out. Excluding dosing details keeps it firmly in the patient education zone.

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How to Tweak It

• Add "The patient is anxious about needles — please make the tone especially calm and normalising when describing any blood draw or cannula" to adjust the emotional register for anxious patients.
• Add "Include a short section on what to bring on the day and whether the patient needs to fast" for investigations with specific preparation requirements.

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