Patient information page template

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Charmaine Patel, M.D. [2]

Introduction

  • The goal of the patient information page is to give a comprehensive description of the disease for a patient.
  • It should be written at a 5th to 8th grade reading level, and if medical terminology is used, it should be explained.
  • Examples of patient information pages that are good references, are the pages on Chronic stable angina here, and Pericarditis here.
  • Follow the format, headings, and capitalizations of letters as outlined below in the template.Only capitalize the disease name if it is at the start of a sentence, or a proper noun, meaning someones name (eg, Lou-Gherig's disease, Alport syndrome, Addison's disease)
  • The title of the page should be: Disease name (patient information). Only the first letter of the heading is capitalized.
  • Create the page in the second person perspective eg "You should call your doctor if you experience....." or "You may experience symptoms such as...."

Overview

  • This section should give a brief description of the disease, and have the name of the disease in the first sentence.
  • For an example of the overview section of a patient page, click here

What are the symptoms of (disease name)?

  • Here you can list the symptoms that the patient may notice. Remember that signs are different from symptoms.
  • For an example of the symptoms section in a patient information page, click here.

What causes (disease name)?

  • Here you can list the causes of the disease. Remember this is what causes the disease, not what the disease causes.
  • For an example of the causes section on a patient information page, click here.


Who is at highest risk?

  • Here you can list, or write in sentences, the most common risk factors for developing the disease.
  • This section can separated into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors if appropriate.
  • For an example of a risk factors section on a patient information page, click here.


When to seek urgent medical care

  • This section should focus on the symptoms that may indicate impending life threatening situations, or significant worsening.
  • For an example of a section detailing this on a patient information page, click here


Diagnosis

  • In this section you can outline what the patient might expect to encounter as far as diagnostic studies.
  • List the types of studies with a brief description, as well as blood tests, urine tests, pertinent portions of the physical examination etc.
  • For an example of a diagnosis section on a patient information page, click here.


Treatment options

  • In this section you should outline the treatment options, including medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions.
  • Advise the patient to always follow the treatment plan that their doctor has provided them.
  • For an example of a treatment section of a patient information page, click here.