AI tools are useful companions in the health writing process, but only if you know how to guide them.
You don’t need (or want) AI to write your entire article or resource. Instead, small prompt tweaks can help you generate outlines, clarify your message or improve flow – all while keeping you in control of the final product.
Here are three simple prompt additions that can help you use AI more effectively as a writing partner.
1. Add “step by step” to guide structure during the planning phase
When you’re mapping out a health article, patient resource or training guide, AI can help you break down the content into logical sections – if you prompt it clearly. That’s where “step by step” comes in.
Prompt example:
“Step by step, outline the main sections of a plain-language guide about managing chronic pain for a newly diagnosed patient.”
Why it works
You’re asking AI to help you organise your thoughts before you start writing. It supports the planning process by giving you a clear structure you can then adapt, refine and write in your own voice.
2. Use “assume your audience is…” to adjust tone or complexity during editing
Sometimes, your draft is solid, but a section feels too technical (or too simplified). Use AI to revise specific paragraphs by giving it a clear sense of audience.
The more detailed you are about who your readers are – their background knowledge, concerns, age, education level, and what they want to achieve – the better the AI can tailor the language, tone and explanations to fit their needs.
Think of creating a full “audience avatar” or persona: for example, describing a 55-year-old newly diagnosed patient with no medical background who is anxious about managing heart disease and prefers straightforward, jargon-free explanations. Including this detail in your prompt helps the AI fine-tune content so it’s accessible, relevant and empathetic to your readers.
Prompt example:
“Revise the following paragraph to make it easier to understand. Assume your audience is a 55-year-old patient with no prior knowledge of heart disease, recently diagnosed, anxious about their condition and prefers clear, simple explanations without medical jargon.”
Why it works:
This helps AI suggest edits that align precisely with your audience’s needs. It’s especially helpful when you’re writing for mixed audiences, such as patients and carers, and want to ensure clarity without losing accuracy or sounding condescending.
3. Add “Include only accurate, verifiable medical information and avoid filler” to sharpen summaries
When you’re revising or fact-checking a summary section, AI can help you identify vague statements or flag missing detail. This prompt addition keeps things focused.
Prompt example:
“Review this section of a patient factsheet on iron deficiency. Suggest edits to improve clarity and flow. Include only accurate, verifiable medical information and avoid filler.”
Why it works:
You’re asking AI to support your editing and review process, not generate new content. This keeps your writing clean, trustworthy and on-message, while reducing unnecessary repetition.
The final word
These small prompt tweaks aren’t about handing your writing over to AI. They’re about using AI strategically – as a support tool for planning, revising and refining your content. You stay in control, while the tech helps you write more efficiently and effectively.
Remember: As always, verify the accuracy of any AI-generated medical content by cross-checking with trusted clinical sources, current guidelines and best practices. Use AI to support, not replace, your own critical thinking, especially when writing about complex health topics or emerging evidence. Always review AI outputs for outdated references, generic phrasing or missing nuance, and consider running sensitive content past subject matter experts. Responsible use also means disclosing when AI tools have assisted your process, particularly in professional or academic settings. By staying informed and applying good judgement, you can ensure your content remains credible, ethical and trustworthy.
