One-page appointment planner
Understanding a test result
- Why was the test ordered?
- What does the reference range mean for this specific test?
- Is the result new, stable, or changing over time?
- What can affect the result—food, timing, illness, exercise, medicines, or lab method?
- Does it change the diagnosis or treatment plan?
- Should it be repeated, confirmed, or interpreted with another test?
Caregiver command sheet
People
Primary clinician, specialists, pharmacy, home health, emergency contacts, legal decision-maker.
Plan
Diagnoses, baseline function, daily routine, medication schedule, appointments, transportation.
Watch
Warning signs, symptom changes, falls, nutrition, hydration, mood, sleep, skin, and cognition.
Support
Respite, family tasks, community resources, finances, advance care planning, and caregiver health.
Hospital discharge questions
- What changed during the hospital stay?
- Which medicines were started, stopped, or changed?
- What symptoms are expected and which require urgent help?
- Who should I call, including after hours?
- What follow-up, tests, wound care, diet, activity, or equipment is needed?
- Can I explain the plan back in my own words?
Evaluate health information
Check who created it, which evidence supports it, when it was updated, whether benefits and harms are both described, whether advertising is separated from education, and whether the source makes unrealistic promises.