Files
pm-claude-skills/exports/aider/pm-research/patient-communication/patient-communication.md
T
mohitagw15856 036511ab3e Windsurf + Aider targets, MCP server, and demo placement (#33)
Broadens both reach (more tools) and content types (an MCP server), continuing
the multi-platform story.

Windsurf + Aider:
- build-exports.mjs gains two platforms: exports/windsurf/*.md (workspace rules,
  trigger: model_decision) and exports/aider/*.md (conventions for `aider --read`).
  Now 5 platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, Cursor, Windsurf, Aider).
- install.sh + bin/cli.mjs install both (windsurf -> .windsurf/rules, aider ->
  .aider/skills with a --read hint); generated README index is excluded from copies.
- One-line windsurf-install.sh / aider-install.sh wrappers for parity.

MCP server (new content type):
- mcp/server.mjs — zero-dependency stdio MCP server exposing list_skills,
  search_skills, get_skill. Published as a second bin (pm-claude-skills-mcp).
  Logs to stderr; reads bundled skills/ at startup. mcp/README.md documents
  client config.

Also: README hero "See it in action" demo placement (ready to swap in a GIF;
recording guide in web/docs-assets/README.md), Works-With table + exports +
install docs updated, CHANGELOG Unreleased. package.json files/bin updated.


Claude-Session: https://claude.ai/code/session_016JWn5jRD5tcEFKrubjQ6Px

Co-authored-by: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
2026-06-17 23:15:38 +01:00

3.6 KiB

Patient Communication Skill

Writes patient-facing healthcare communications in plain, accessible language — targeting UK Grade 6 / US Grade 8 reading level.

WARNING: All patient communications must be reviewed and approved by a qualified healthcare professional before sending. This skill produces drafts only.

Required Inputs

  • Communication type (appointment letter / results letter / discharge info / patient leaflet / consent info / health education)
  • Clinical context
  • Key messages (what the patient must understand and do)
  • Tone (reassuring / informative / urgent)
  • Specific instructions or next steps
  • Contact details for queries

Output Structure

Type A: Patient Letter

[Date]

Dear [Patient name],

Re: [Clear subject line in bold]

[Opening paragraph: State clearly what this letter is about. No preamble.]

[Main content — short paragraphs, 2-3 sentences each. Bullet points for instructions. Bold anything the patient must do or remember.]

What happens next:

  • [Action 1 — specific with timeframe]
  • [Action 2]

If you have questions: Contact us at [phone] between [hours] or email [address].

If you feel unwell before your appointment, please [specific instruction].

Yours sincerely, [Name, Title, Department]


Type B: Patient Information Leaflet

[Plain language title]

What is [topic]? [2-3 plain English sentences. Explain technical terms immediately.]

Why has this been recommended for me? [Personalised clinical reason in patient terms]

What will happen? [Numbered step by step]

What are the benefits? [Honest statement]

What are the risks? [Common first, then rare but serious. Use frequencies: "About 1 in 10 people..." not "10% incidence"]

What should I do to prepare? [Specific instructions]

When should I contact someone? [Specific signs — not vague. "Temperature above 38C" not "if you feel unwell"]


Type C: Test Results Letter

Your [test name] results — [Normal / Abnormal] — stated in the FIRST sentence, never paragraph 3.

[What this means in plain English]

What happens next: [Clear next steps. If no action, say so explicitly.]


Plain Language Rules (apply to all types)

  • Maximum 2 syllables per word where possible
  • Maximum 20 words per sentence
  • Active voice: "We will contact you" not "You will be contacted"
  • Spell out all acronyms on first use
  • No Latin: "twice daily" not "bd"
  • Use "you" and "we" throughout
  • Numbers as digits: "2 tablets" not "two tablets"

Quality Checks

  • Written at or below Grade 8 reading level (short words, short sentences)
  • Active voice used throughout ("We will contact you" not "You will be contacted")
  • Results letter states the result in the first sentence
  • Next steps are specific and include timeframes
  • No Latin or acronyms without explanation
  • Disclaimer that clinical review is required before sending

Anti-Patterns

  • Do not use medical jargon without a plain-English explanation — write for the patient, not the clinician
  • Do not omit a clear "next steps" section — patients must know exactly what to do after reading
  • Do not produce final content without flagging that clinical review is required before sending
  • Do not write above a Grade 8 reading level without a compelling reason — accessibility is the default
  • Do not include Latin abbreviations (e.g. "p.r.n.", "b.d.") without spelling them out — they are not universally understood

Example Trigger Phrases

  • "Write a patient letter about [topic]"
  • "Create a patient information leaflet for [procedure]"
  • "Write a plain English results letter for [test]"