Curious about how to simplify medical terms with AI? This simple 15-minute activity will show you an easy way to use AI to explain complex medical terms in patient-friendly language – improving both understanding and trust.
Why simplify medical terms with AI?
As healthcare professionals, you’ll be familiar with that glazed-over look when explaining conditions to patients. Translating medical jargon into plain, relatable language isn’t always easy, even with the best intentions.
This is where AI healthcare tools – or any type of AI writing tool – can assist you in delivering clear, simplified explanations that resonate with patients.
A simple 15-minute activity to get you started
You’ll need:
- A computer or smartphone
- Access to ChatGPT (or similar generative AI tools)
- 15 minutes of your time
- A list of common medical terms
Step 1: Set up ChatGPT (5 minutes)
If you’re new to AI, visit chat.openai.com and create a free account. It’s as simple as signing up for email. While there are many AI platforms, ChatGPT is free, user-friendly and an excellent starting point. You can use ChatGPT in various healthcare tasks, from simplifying complex medical terms to documentation and more.
Step 2: Your simple AI conversation (5 minutes)
Copy and paste this AI prompt into ChatGPT:
“I’m a healthcare professional. Please help me translate these medical terms into patient-friendly language that a 12-year-old can understand:
- Hypertension
- Myocardial infarction
- Hyperlipidemia
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
For each term:
- Give me a simple explanation
- Suggest an analogy that helps explain it
- Provide a simple preventive tip”
Step 3: Experiment and refine (5 minutes)
Here’s where you can customise the content:
- Not satisfied with the explanation? Ask ChatGPT to simplify it further.
- Want alternative analogies? Request 3 different examples.
- Need it tailored for older patients? Ask ChatGPT to adapt the language for patients over 75.
Example prompts for refining content:
- “Can you make that explanation even simpler?”
- “Provide a new analogy for explaining diabetes.”
- “Rewrite this for elderly patients.”
Make it relevant to your practice
Once you’re comfortable, apply the same process to medical terms you commonly use in your specialty. Create a list of 3-4 terms and let AI assist you in simplifying explanations, creating analogies and generating tips.
Key reminders
- AI is a tool to enhance communication not a replacement for your expertise.
- Always review AI-generated content for accuracy before sharing it with patients.
What’s next?
Once you’ve completed this activity, you’ll understand how powerful AI can be in simplifying complex medical content. Save your favourite explanations for future use and consider sharing them with colleagues.
Take it further
Try creating patient handouts or educational materials using the same AI-assisted approach. Start small, and build confidence as you go. The possibilities for enhancing health communication are endless!
Explore CPD activities on Health AI CPD
- Introduction to AI in Healthcare
- AI Prompting Skills for Health Professionals
- Using AI to Enhance Patient Communication
- Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare
Need more information?
Contact us to learn more about Health AI CPD opportunities or join our free course.
