Savvy Strategies

By: Leah Stanford

From Chalkboards to ChatBots: Making AI Work for You

In December we discussed the basics of getting started with Artificial Intelligence (AI). This technology works best when paired with human expertise to refine results and final products. In reality, it is much like training a student or new employee. The more specific and clear the instruction is, the better output you will receive. This is why writing effective prompts can make or break your AI experience. Below are some simple tips help you generate relevant and precise responses.

Be Specific

Much like students, AI tools respond best when the instructions explicitly set clear expectations. Instead of asking “Explain strokes,” try, providing specific criteria that you would like the AI to include. A better option would be, “Provide a concise explanation of an ischemic stroke, including key symptoms, causes, and treatment options.”  

Define the Output

Usually when we use AI we need it for a specific reason and in a specific format. In order to get results that fit your needs, make sure to include it in your prompt. Common examples of outputs that we often use in the SOM are case studies, clinical vignettes, and USMLE Step style test questions. An example of this in a prompt would be “Create a USMLE Step 1 style vignette with a 72-year-old male patient that has symptoms of an ischemic stroke. Include three multiple choice questions.” In this example I have provided specifics about the format, the content, and the final product that I would like to produce.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best thing about working with generative AI is that you don’t have to be perfect the first try. It may be best to start with a basic question and add additional details or requests. We can build on the previous example by asking for a specific type of question. This would look something like “Using the previous vignette, write a question about the appropriate next steps.” Adding more details to the previous prompt will narrow down the results. Remember, you can always ask a follow-up question, request additional details, or change the tone of the results simply by asking.