Generate concise (3-4 page), focused medical treatment plans in LaTeX/PDF format for all clinical specialties. Supports general medical treatment, rehabilitation therapy, mental health care, chronic disease management, perioperative care, and pain management. Includes SMART goal frameworks, evidence-based interventions with minimal text citations, regulatory compliance (HIPAA), and professional formatting. Prioritizes brevity and clinical actionability.
Treatment plan writing is the systematic documentation of clinical care strategies designed to address patient health conditions through evidence-based interventions, measurable goals, and structured follow-up. This skill provides comprehensive LaTeX templates and validation tools for creating concise, focused treatment plans (3-4 pages standard) across all medical specialties with full regulatory compliance.
Critical Principles:
CONCISE & ACTIONABLE: Treatment plans default to 3-4 pages maximum, focusing only on clinically essential information that impacts care decisions
Patient-Centered: Plans must be evidence-based, measurable, and compliant with healthcare regulations (HIPAA, documentation standards)
Minimal Citations: Use brief in-text citations only when needed to support clinical recommendations; avoid extensive bibliographies
Every treatment plan should include clear goals, specific interventions, defined timelines, monitoring parameters, and expected outcomes that align with patient preferences and current clinical guidelines - all presented as efficiently as possible.
When to Use This Skill
This skill should be used when:
Creating individualized treatment plans for patient care
Documenting therapeutic interventions for chronic disease management
Create publication-quality images with proper formatting
Review and refine through multiple iterations
Ensure accessibility (colorblind-friendly, high contrast)
Save outputs in the figures/ directory
When to add schematics:
Treatment pathway flowcharts
Care coordination diagrams
Therapy progression timelines
Multidisciplinary team interaction diagrams
Medication management flowcharts
Rehabilitation protocol visualizations
Clinical decision algorithm diagrams
Any complex concept that benefits from visualization
For detailed guidance on creating schematics, refer to the scientific-schematics skill documentation.
Document Format and Best Practices
Document Length Options
Treatment plans come in three format options based on clinical complexity and use case:
Option 1: One-Page Treatment Plan (PREFERRED for most cases)
When to use: Straightforward clinical scenarios, standard protocols, busy clinical settings
Format: Single page containing all essential treatment information in scannable sections
No table of contents needed
No extensive narratives
Focused on actionable items only
Similar to precision oncology reports or treatment recommendation cards
Required sections (all on one page):
Header Box: Patient info, diagnosis, date, molecular/risk profile if applicable
Treatment Regimen: Numbered list of specific interventions
Supportive Care: Brief bullet points
Rationale: 1-2 sentence justification (optional for standard protocols)
Monitoring: Key parameters and frequency
Evidence Level: Guideline reference or evidence grade (e.g., "Level 1, FDA approved")
Expected Outcome: Timeline and success metrics
Design principles:
Use small boxes/tables for organization (like the clinical treatment recommendation card format)
Eliminate all non-essential text
Use abbreviations familiar to clinicians
Dense information layout - maximize information per square inch
Think "quick reference card" not "comprehensive documentation"
Example structure:
[Patient ID/Diagnosis Box at top]
TARGET PATIENT POPULATION
Number of patients, demographics, key features
PRIMARY TREATMENT REGIMEN
• Medication 1: dose, frequency, duration
• Procedure: specific details
• Monitoring: what and when
SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Key supportive medications
RATIONALE
Brief clinical justification
MOLECULAR TARGETS / RISK FACTORS
Relevant biomarkers or risk stratification
EVIDENCE LEVEL
Guideline reference, trial data
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Key labs/vitals, frequency
EXPECTED CLINICAL BENEFIT
Primary endpoint, timeline
Option 2: Standard 3-4 Page Format
When to use: Moderate complexity, need for patient education materials, multidisciplinary coordination
Uses the Foundation Medicine first-page summary model with 2-3 additional pages of details.
Option 3: Extended 5-6 Page Format
When to use: Complex comorbidities, research protocols, extensive safety monitoring required
First Page Summary (Foundation Medicine Model)
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: All treatment plans MUST have a complete executive summary on the first page ONLY, before any table of contents or detailed sections.
Following the Foundation Medicine model for precision medicine reporting and clinical summary documents, treatment plans begin with a one-page executive summary that provides immediate access to key actionable information. This entire summary must fit on the first page.
Required First Page Structure (in order):
Title and Subtitle
Main title: Treatment plan type (e.g., "Comprehensive Treatment Plan")
Subtitle: Specific condition or focus (e.g., "Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - Young Adult Patient")
Report Information Box (using \begin{infobox} or \begin{patientinfo})
Report type/document purpose
Date of plan creation
Patient demographics (age, sex, de-identified)
Primary diagnosis with ICD-10 code
Report author/clinic (if applicable)
Analysis approach or framework used
Key Findings or Treatment Highlights (2-4 colored boxes using appropriate box types)
Primary Treatment Goals (using \begin{goalbox})
2-3 SMART goals in bullet format
Main Interventions (using \begin{keybox} or \begin{infobox})
CRITICAL: Treatment plans MUST prioritize brevity and clinical relevance. Default to 3-4 pages maximum unless clinical complexity absolutely demands more detail.
Treatment plans should prioritize clarity and actionability over exhaustive detail:
Focused: Include only clinically essential information that impacts care decisions
Actionable: Emphasize what needs to be done, when, and why
Efficient: Facilitate quick decision-making without sacrificing clinical quality
Target length options:
1-page format (preferred for straightforward cases): Quick-reference card with all essential information
3-4 pages standard: Standard format with first-page summary + supporting details
5-6 pages (rare): Only for highly complex cases with multiple comorbidities or multidisciplinary interventions
Streamlining Guidelines:
First Page Summary: Use individual colored boxes to consolidate key information (goals, interventions, decision points) - this alone can often convey the essential treatment plan
Eliminate Redundancy: If information is in the first-page summary, don't repeat it verbatim in detailed sections
Patient Education section: 3-5 key bullet points on critical topics and warning signs only
Risk Mitigation section: Highlight only critical medication safety concerns and emergency actions (not exhaustive lists)
Expected Outcomes section: 2-3 concise statements on anticipated responses and timelines
Interventions: Focus on primary interventions; secondary/supportive measures in brief bullet format
Use tables and bullet points extensively for efficient presentation
Avoid narrative prose where structured lists suffice
Combine related sections when appropriate to reduce page count
Quality Over Quantity
The goal is professional, clinically complete documentation that respects clinicians' time while ensuring comprehensive patient care. Every section should add value; remove or condense sections that don't directly inform treatment decisions.
Citations and Evidence Support
Use minimal, targeted citations to support clinical recommendations:
Text Citations Preferred: Use brief in-text citations (Author Year) or simple references rather than extensive bibliographies unless specifically requested
When to Cite:
Clinical practice guideline recommendations (e.g., "per ADA 2024 guidelines")
Specific medication dosing or protocols (e.g., "ACC/AHA recommendations")
Novel or controversial interventions requiring evidence support
Risk stratification tools or validated assessment scales
When NOT to Cite:
Standard-of-care interventions widely accepted in the field
Basic medical facts and routine clinical practices
General patient education content
Citation Format:
Inline: "Initiate metformin as first-line therapy (ADA Standards of Care 2024)"
Opioid therapy (when appropriate, with risk mitigation)
Titration and rotation strategies
Interventional Procedures:
Nerve blocks and injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Spinal cord stimulation
Intrathecal drug delivery
Non-pharmacological:
Physical therapy and exercise
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Acupuncture
TENS units
Opioid Safety (when prescribed)
Indication and planned duration
Prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) check
Opioid risk assessment tools
Naloxone prescription
Treatment agreements
Random urine drug screening
Frequent follow-up and reassessment
Functional Goals
Specific activity improvements
Sleep quality enhancement
Reduced pain interference
Improved quality of life
Return to work or meaningful activities
Best Practices
Brevity and Focus (HIGHEST PRIORITY)
Treatment plans MUST be concise and focused on actionable clinical information:
1-page format is PREFERRED: For most clinical scenarios, a single-page treatment plan (like precision oncology reports) provides all necessary information
Default to shortest format possible: Start with 1-page; only expand if clinical complexity genuinely requires it
Every sentence must add value: If a section doesn't change clinical decision-making, omit it entirely
Think "quick reference card" not "comprehensive textbook": Busy clinicians need scannable, dense information
Avoid academic verbosity: This is clinical documentation, not a literature review or teaching document
ALWAYS create a one-page executive summary as the first page:
The first page must contain ONLY: Title, Report Info Box, and Key Findings boxes
This provides an at-a-glance overview similar to precision medicine reports
Table of contents and detailed sections start on page 2 or later
Think of it as a "clinical highlights" page that a busy clinician can scan in 30 seconds
Use 2-4 colored boxes for different key findings (goals, interventions, decision points)
A strong first page can often stand alone - subsequent pages are for details, not repetition
SMART Goal Setting
All treatment goals should meet SMART criteria:
Specific: "Improve HbA1c to <7%" not "Better diabetes control"
Measurable: Use quantifiable metrics, validated scales, objective measures
Achievable: Consider patient capabilities, resources, social support
Relevant: Align with patient values, priorities, and life circumstances
Time-bound: Define clear timeframes for goal achievement and reassessment
Patient-Centered Care
✓ Shared Decision-Making: Involve patients in goal-setting and treatment choices
✓ Cultural Competence: Respect cultural beliefs, language preferences, health literacy
✓ Patient Preferences: Honor treatment preferences and personal values
✓ Individualization: Tailor plans to patient's unique circumstances
✓ Empowerment: Support patient activation and self-management
Evidence-Based Practice
✓ Clinical Guidelines: Follow current specialty society recommendations
✓ Quality Measures: Incorporate HEDIS, CMS quality measures
✓ Comparative Effectiveness: Use treatments with proven efficacy
✓ Avoid Low-Value Care: Eliminate unnecessary tests and interventions
✓ Stay Current: Update plans based on emerging evidence
Documentation Standards
✓ Completeness: Include all required elements
✓ Clarity: Use clear, professional medical language
✓ Accuracy: Ensure factual correctness and current information
✓ Timeliness: Document plans promptly
✓ Legibility: Professional formatting and organization
✓ Signature and Date: Authenticate all treatment plans
Regulatory Compliance
✓ HIPAA Privacy: De-identify all protected health information
✓ Informed Consent: Document patient understanding and agreement
✓ Billing Support: Include documentation to support medical necessity
✓ Quality Reporting: Enable extraction of quality metrics
✓ Legal Protection: Maintain defensible clinical documentation
Multidisciplinary Coordination
✓ Team Communication: Share plans across care team
✓ Role Clarity: Define responsibilities for each team member
✓ Care Transitions: Ensure continuity across settings
✓ Specialist Integration: Coordinate with subspecialty care
✓ Patient-Centered Medical Home: Align with PCMH principles
LaTeX Template Usage
Template Selection
Choose the appropriate template based on clinical context and desired length:
Concise Templates (PREFERRED)
one_page_treatment_plan.tex - FIRST CHOICE for most cases
All clinical specialties
Standard protocols and straightforward cases
Quick-reference format similar to precision oncology reports
Dense, scannable, clinician-focused
Use this unless complexity demands more detail
Standard Templates (3-4 pages)
Use only when one-page format is insufficient due to complexity:
general_medical_treatment_plan.tex - Primary care, chronic disease, general medicine
cd .claude/skills/treatment-plans/scripts
python generate_template.py
# Or specify type directly
python generate_template.py --type mental_health --output depression_treatment_plan.tex
Validation Workflow
Create treatment plan using appropriate LaTeX template
Review checklist: Compare against quality_checklist.md
Generate PDF: pdflatex plan.tex
Review with patient: Ensure understanding and agreement
Implement and document: Track progress in clinical notes
Additional Resources
Clinical practice guidelines from specialty societies
AHRQ Effective Health Care Program
Cochrane Library for intervention evidence
UpToDate and DynaMed for treatment recommendations
CMS Quality Measures and HEDIS specifications
Professional Document Styling
Overview
Treatment plans can be enhanced with professional medical document styling using the medical_treatment_plan.sty LaTeX package. This custom style transforms plain academic documents into visually appealing, color-coded clinical documents that maintain scientific rigor while improving readability and usability.
Medical Treatment Plan Style Package
The medical_treatment_plan.sty package (located in assets/medical_treatment_plan.sty) provides:
Use cases: Emergency contacts, critical hotlines, urgent resource information
6. Patient Info Box (White with Blue Border)
For patient demographics and baseline information:
\begin{patientinfo}
\begin{tabular}{ll}
\textbf{Age:} & 23 years \\
\textbf{Sex:} & Male \\
\textbf{Diagnosis:} & Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus \\
\textbf{Plan Start Date:} & \today \\
\end{tabular}
\end{patientinfo}
Use cases: Patient information sections, demographic data
Professional Table Formatting
Enhanced table environment with medical styling:
\begin{medtable}{Caption Text}
\begin{tabular}{|p{5cm}|p{4cm}|p{4.5cm}|}
\hline
\tableheadercolor % Blue header with white text
\textcolor{white}{\textbf{Column 1}} &
\textcolor{white}{\textbf{Column 2}} &
\textcolor{white}{\textbf{Column 3}} \\
\hline
Data row 1 content & Value 1 & Details 1 \\
\hline
\tablerowcolor % Alternating light gray row
Data row 2 content & Value 2 & Details 2 \\
\hline
Data row 3 content & Value 3 & Details 3 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\caption{Table caption}
\end{medtable}
Features:
Blue headers with white text for visual prominence
Alternating row colors (\tablerowcolor) for improved readability
Automatic centering and spacing
Professional borders and padding
Using the Style Package
Basic Setup
Add to document preamble:
% !TEX program = xelatex
\documentclass[11pt,letterpaper]{article}
% Use custom medical treatment plan style
\usepackage{medical_treatment_plan}
\usepackage{natbib}
\begin{document}
\maketitle
% Your content here
\end{document}
Ensure style file is in same directory as your .tex file, or install to LaTeX path
Compile with XeLaTeX (recommended for best results):
The package automatically formats the title with a professional blue header:
\title{\textbf{Individualized Diabetes Treatment Plan}\\
\large{23-Year-Old Male Patient with Type 2 Diabetes}}
\author{Comprehensive Care Plan}
\date{\today}
\begin{document}
\maketitle
This creates an eye-catching blue box with white text and clear hierarchy.
Compilation Requirements
Required LaTeX Packages (automatically loaded by the style):
geometry - Page layout and margins
xcolor - Color support
tcolorbox with [most] library - Custom colored boxes
tikz - Graphics and drawing
fontspec - Font management (XeLaTeX/LuaLaTeX)
fancyhdr - Custom headers and footers
titlesec - Section styling
enumitem - Enhanced list formatting
booktabs - Professional table rules
longtable - Multi-page tables
array - Enhanced table features
colortbl - Colored table cells
hyperref - Hyperlinks and PDF metadata
natbib - Bibliography management
Recommended Compilation:
# Using XeLaTeX (best font support)
xelatex document.tex
bibtex document
xelatex document.tex
xelatex document.tex
# Using PDFLaTeX (alternative)
pdflatex document.tex
bibtex document
pdflatex document.tex
pdflatex document.tex
\fancyhead[L]{\color{primaryblue}\sffamily\small\textbf{Treatment Plan Title}}
\fancyhead[R]{\color{darkgray}\sffamily\small Patient Info}
Style Package Download and Installation
Option 1: Copy to Project Directory
Copy assets/medical_treatment_plan.sty to the same directory as your .tex file.
Option 2: Install to User TeX Directory
# Find your local texmf directory
kpsewhich -var-value TEXMFHOME
# Copy to appropriate location (usually ~/texmf/tex/latex/)
mkdir -p ~/texmf/tex/latex/medical_treatment_plan
cp assets/medical_treatment_plan.sty ~/texmf/tex/latex/medical_treatment_plan/
# Update TeX file database
texhash ~/texmf
Option 3: System-Wide Installation
# Copy to system texmf directory (requires sudo)
sudo cp assets/medical_treatment_plan.sty /usr/local/texlive/texmf-local/tex/latex/
sudo texhash
Additional Professional Styles (Optional)
Other medical/clinical document styles available from CTAN:
Journal Styles:
# Install via TeX Live Manager
tlmgr install nejm # New England Journal of Medicine
tlmgr install jama # JAMA style
tlmgr install bmj # British Medical Journal
