From Dense Healthcare Instructions to Patient-Friendly Visual Guides
Using health literacy, patient experience expertise, and responsible AI to turn complex healthcare information into experiences patients can understand and follow.
The Problem
Standard colonoscopy prep instructions are written for clinicians, not patients — and that gap creates real consequences.
Instructions are too dense
Multi-page text walls written above a 10th-grade reading level bury the steps that matter most.
Patients miss timing steps
“The day before” vs. “the evening before” creates confusion that leads to failed prep.
Staff get avoidable phone calls
Confused patients flood nursing lines with questions — and still show up unprepared.
What Changed
The same clinical content, redesigned around how patients actually read and follow instructions.
Before
- Dense text instructions
- Confusing, ambiguous timing
- No visual cues or hierarchy
- Written for clinicians, not patients
After
- Visual day-by-day timeline
- Printable shopping checklist
- Clear liquid YES / NO guide
- Step-by-step split-dose instructions
What’s Inside the Toolkit
Four visual components that support every stage of the patient’s prep journey.
Visual Timeline
A color-coded, day-by-day countdown so patients know exactly what to do and when.
Shopping Checklist
An illustrated list of what to buy, what to avoid, and what’s optional — ready for the pharmacy.
Clear Liquid Guide
A visual YES / NO food guide that dramatically reduces diet-related rescheduling.
Split-Dose Instructions
Step-by-step split-dose timing shown to improve bowel prep quality and experience.
Download the Toolkit
Each guide is ready to print and share. Download the individual components below.
7-Day Prep Timeline
A color-coded visual countdown from 7 days out to the day of the procedure.
Caregiver Letter
A reassuring letter for the patient’s support person on how to help on prep and procedure day.
Clear Liquid Diet Guide
A visual YES / NO chart showing which foods and drinks are safe during the clear liquid day.
Shopping List
An illustrated checklist covering prep solutions, approved beverages, and comfort items.
