Patient information page template

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...."

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.