Patient Comms
Translate clinical documentation into clear, patient-friendly medical communications
What You Can Do
You can transform clinical documentation into clear, patient-friendly communications that maintain medical accuracy while improving health literacy. This skill converts complex medical terminology into plain language, structures information for patient comprehension, and identifies actionable steps patients need to follow—whether you're drafting discharge summaries, explaining lab results, or providing medication counseling.
Features
converts medical terminology while preserving clinical accuracy and safety-critical details
organizes content from simple-to-complex, separating what patients need to know from what they need to do
generates customized formats for discharge summaries, lab result explanations, medication instructions, and lifestyle modifications
identifies and emphasizes next steps, warning signs, and follow-up requirements in plain language
maintains conversational, reassuring language that builds patient confidence without oversimplifying
highlights missing details that require clinician follow-up before patient handoff
uses short sentences, active voice, and visual cues to improve comprehension and compliance
Example Output
Example 1: Discharge Summary Translation
Clinical input: "Post-op day 2 s/p TURP with acute urinary retention requiring catheterization. Foley catheter in place. Patient counseled on catheter care and signs of infection."
Patient-friendly output: "You had surgery to remove tissue from your prostate. Because your body is having trouble draining urine on its own, we've placed a small tube (called a Foley catheter) in your bladder to help. What you need to do: Keep the area clean and dry. Drink plenty of water. Watch for: Fever, bloody urine, or strong urine odor—call us immediately if this happens. Your follow-up appointment is [date]."
Example 2: Lab Result Explanation
Clinical input: "TSH elevated at 8.2 (ref 0.4-4.0). Recommend levothyroxine initiation."
Patient-friendly output: "Your thyroid gland controls your metabolism and energy. Your blood test shows your thyroid isn't producing enough hormone, which is common and very treatable. We're starting you on a daily pill called levothyroxine to help your thyroid work better. You'll feel more energetic within 2-4 weeks. We'll recheck your blood in 6 weeks to make sure the dose is right."
Example 3: Medication Instructions
Clinical input: "Metformin 500mg PO BID with meals; caution re: lactic acidosis risk and renal function."
Patient-friendly output: "Take one 500mg tablet twice daily with breakfast and dinner. Don't skip doses—this helps control your blood sugar. Important: Tell us immediately if you feel confused, unusually tired, or have difficulty breathing. Avoid alcohol."
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with clinical-to-plain language translation guidelines:
- Discharge summary template with safety-critical checkpoints:
- Lab result explanation framework (abnormal findings, normal findings, next steps):
- Medication instruction template with warning signs and compliance tips:
- Health literacy assessment checklist (readability, actionability, comprehension cues):
- Context-specific tone guide for different patient populations (pediatric, geriatric, complex conditions):
Who It's For
- Nurses and nurse practitioners drafting discharge instructions and patient education
- Physicians and physician assistants explaining test results and care plans
- Pharmacists counseling patients on medications and adherence
- Care coordinators preparing patient-facing communication materials
- Clinical documentation specialists translating EHR notes for patient portals
Best For
- Discharge summary preparation and patient education
- Laboratory and imaging result explanation
- Medication counseling and instruction sheets
- Informed consent documentation
- Patient portal messages and post-visit summaries
- Health literacy improvement for complex conditions
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