How do I Write a Good Prompt ?

In Echo-Health.ai, a prompt is a personal set of instructions that clinicians use to shape how their clinical notes are generated from the consultation transcript.

Unlike our standardised note structures (e.g. SOAP, HOPC, APSO), prompts are clinician-specific. They reflect how you document — whether that’s shorthand, structured headings, or a narrative style.

There’s no single way to write a good prompt — but here’s how to create one that works for you.

✅ What Makes a Good Prompt?

A good prompt:

Matches your documentation style
Bullet points, narrative, hybrid — it’s up to you.
Tells the AI what not to do
e.g. “Don’t include anything not discussed in the transcript.”
Sets clear expectations
Include structure, tone, and any clinical terminology you use.
Leaves room for clinical judgement
Prompts don’t replace your thinking — they streamline your documentation.

🧠 What to Include in Your Prompt

Scope and Safety

“Only include content actually stated in the transcript or clinical note. Do not guess or add anything that wasn’t discussed.”
Format

“Use headings below. Bullet points preferred. Leave sections blank if not covered.”
Tone or Voice

“Keep it brief. Write like I would — practical and direct.”
Structure (if applicable)
You can follow something familiar like SOAP, or create your own.

✏️ Example: GP Prompt Using Short Hand

Write my note using dot points under the usual GP SOAP headings.

S: Pt’s story — sx, timeline, concerns O: Vitals, findings, test results A: Clinical judgement / Dx P: Plan — scripts, referrals, f/u Don’t write anything not in the transcript. Skip blank sections. No quotations. Use clear language.

🔄 How This Differs from Pre-Written Note Structures

Echo-Health.ai offers pre-defined note formats (SOAP, HOPC, APSO etc.), but prompts are personal.

Note structures = System-level templates you can apply
Prompts = Your individual way of instructing the AI to follow your workflow

You can use your prompt alongside a note structure — or let your prompt shape the entire note independently.

🛠 Tips to Refine Your Prompt

Use language you’d use in clinic
Be clear about what to leave out
Include reminders for tone, structure or patient references (e.g. use “Client”)
Start small and iterate over time