gh-k-dense-ai-claude-scientific-writer-claude-scientific-writer/skills/treatment-plans/README.md

Treatment Plans Skill

Overview

Skill for generating concise, clinician-focused medical treatment plans across all clinical specialties. Provides LaTeX/PDF templates with SMART goal frameworks, evidence-based interventions, regulatory compliance, and validation tools for patient-centered care planning.

Default to 1-page format for most cases - think "quick reference card" not "comprehensive textbook".

What's Included

📋 Seven Treatment Plan Types

1. One-Page Treatment Plan (PREFERRED) - Concise, quick-reference format for most clinical scenarios
2. General Medical Treatment Plans - Primary care, chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, heart failure)
3. Rehabilitation Treatment Plans - Physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac/pulmonary rehab
4. Mental Health Treatment Plans - Psychiatric care, depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use
5. Chronic Disease Management Plans - Complex multimorbidity, long-term care coordination
6. Perioperative Care Plans - Preoperative optimization, ERAS protocols, postoperative recovery
7. Pain Management Plans - Acute and chronic pain, multimodal analgesia, opioid-sparing strategies

📚 Reference Files (5 comprehensive guides)

• treatment_plan_standards.md - Professional standards, documentation requirements, legal considerations
• goal_setting_frameworks.md - SMART goals, patient-centered outcomes, shared decision-making
• intervention_guidelines.md - Evidence-based treatments, pharmacological and non-pharmacological
• regulatory_compliance.md - HIPAA compliance, billing documentation, quality measures
• specialty_specific_guidelines.md - Detailed guidelines for each treatment plan type

📄 LaTeX Templates (7 professional templates)

• one_page_treatment_plan.tex - FIRST CHOICE - Dense, scannable 1-page format (like precision oncology reports)
• general_medical_treatment_plan.tex - Comprehensive medical care planning
• rehabilitation_treatment_plan.tex - Functional restoration and therapy
• mental_health_treatment_plan.tex - Psychiatric and behavioral health
• chronic_disease_management_plan.tex - Long-term disease management
• perioperative_care_plan.tex - Surgical and procedural care
• pain_management_plan.tex - Multimodal pain treatment

🔧 Validation Scripts (4 automation tools)

• generate_template.py - Interactive template selection and generation
• validate_treatment_plan.py - Comprehensive quality and compliance checking
• check_completeness.py - Verify all required sections present
• timeline_generator.py - Create visual treatment timelines and schedules

Quick Start

Generate a Treatment Plan Template

cd .claude/skills/treatment-plans/scripts
python generate_template.py

# Or specify type directly
python generate_template.py --type general_medical --output diabetes_plan.tex

Available template types:

• one_page (PREFERRED - use for most cases)
• general_medical
• rehabilitation
• mental_health
• chronic_disease
• perioperative
• pain_management

Compile to PDF

cd /path/to/your/treatment/plan
pdflatex my_treatment_plan.tex

Validate Your Treatment Plan

# Check for completeness
python check_completeness.py my_treatment_plan.tex

# Comprehensive validation
python validate_treatment_plan.py my_treatment_plan.tex

Generate Treatment Timeline

python timeline_generator.py --plan my_treatment_plan.tex --output timeline.pdf

Standard Treatment Plan Components

All templates include these essential sections:

1. Patient Information (De-identified)

• Demographics and relevant medical background
• Active conditions and comorbidities
• Current medications and allergies
• Functional status baseline
• HIPAA-compliant de-identification

2. Diagnosis and Assessment Summary

• Primary diagnosis (ICD-10 coded)
• Secondary diagnoses
• Severity classification
• Functional limitations
• Risk stratification

3. Treatment Goals (SMART Format)

Short-term goals (1-3 months):

• Specific, measurable outcomes
• Realistic targets with defined timeframes
• Patient-centered priorities

Long-term goals (6-12 months):

• Disease control targets
• Functional improvement objectives
• Quality of life enhancement
• Complication prevention

4. Interventions

• Pharmacological: Medications with dosages, frequencies, monitoring
• Non-pharmacological: Lifestyle modifications, behavioral interventions, education
• Procedural: Planned procedures, specialist referrals, diagnostic testing

5. Timeline and Schedule

• Treatment phases with timeframes
• Appointment frequency
• Milestone assessments
• Expected treatment duration

6. Monitoring Parameters

• Clinical outcomes to track
• Assessment tools and scales
• Monitoring frequency
• Intervention thresholds

7. Expected Outcomes

• Primary outcome measures
• Success criteria
• Timeline for improvement
• Long-term prognosis

8. Follow-up Plan

• Scheduled appointments
• Communication protocols
• Emergency procedures
• Transition planning

9. Patient Education

• Condition understanding
• Self-management skills
• Warning signs
• Resources and support

10. Risk Mitigation

• Adverse effect management
• Safety monitoring
• Emergency action plans
• Fall/infection prevention

Common Use Cases

1. Type 2 Diabetes Management

Goal: Create comprehensive treatment plan for newly diagnosed diabetes

Template: general_medical_treatment_plan.tex

Key Components:
- SMART goals: HbA1c <7% in 3 months, weight loss 10 lbs in 6 months
- Medications: Metformin titration schedule
- Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, glucose monitoring
- Monitoring: HbA1c every 3 months, quarterly visits
- Education: Diabetes self-management education

2. Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Goal: Develop rehab plan for stroke patient with hemiparesis

Template: rehabilitation_treatment_plan.tex

Key Components:
- Functional assessment: FIM scores, ROM, strength testing
- PT goals: Ambulation 150 feet with cane in 12 weeks
- OT goals: Independent ADLs, upper extremity function
- Treatment schedule: PT/OT/SLP 3x week each
- Home exercise program

3. Major Depressive Disorder

Goal: Create integrated treatment plan for depression

Template: mental_health_treatment_plan.tex

Key Components:
- Assessment: PHQ-9 score 16 (moderate depression)
- Goals: Reduce PHQ-9 to <5, return to work in 12 weeks
- Psychotherapy: CBT weekly sessions
- Medication: SSRI with titration schedule
- Safety planning: Crisis contacts, warning signs

4. Total Knee Replacement

Goal: Perioperative care plan for elective TKA

Template: perioperative_care_plan.tex

Key Components:
- Preop optimization: Medical clearance, medication management
- ERAS protocol implementation
- Postop milestones: Ambulation POD 1, discharge POD 2-3
- Pain management: Multimodal analgesia
- Rehab plan: PT starting POD 0

5. Chronic Low Back Pain

Goal: Multimodal pain management plan

Template: pain_management_plan.tex

Key Components:
- Pain assessment: Location, intensity, functional impact
- Goals: Reduce pain 7/10 to 3/10, return to work
- Medications: Non-opioid analgesics, adjuvants
- PT: Core strengthening, McKenzie exercises
- Behavioral: CBT for pain, mindfulness
- Interventional: Consider ESI if inadequate response

SMART Goals Framework

All treatment plans use SMART criteria for goal-setting:

• Specific: Clear, well-defined outcome (not vague)
• Measurable: Quantifiable metrics or observable behaviors
• Achievable: Realistic given patient capabilities and resources
• Relevant: Aligned with patient priorities and values
• Time-bound: Specific timeframe for achievement

Examples

Good SMART Goals:

• Reduce HbA1c from 8.5% to <7% within 3 months
• Walk independently 150 feet with assistive device by 8 weeks
• Decrease PHQ-9 depression score from 18 to <10 in 8 weeks
• Achieve knee flexion >90 degrees by postoperative day 14
• Reduce pain from 7/10 to ≤4/10 within 6 weeks

Poor Goals (not SMART):

• "Feel better" (not specific or measurable)
• "Improve diabetes" (not specific or time-bound)
• "Get stronger" (not measurable)
• "Return to normal" (vague, not specific)

Workflow Examples

Standard Treatment Plan Workflow

1. Assess patient - Complete history, physical, diagnostic testing
2. Select template - Choose appropriate template for clinical context
3. Generate template - python generate_template.py --type [type]
4. Customize plan - Fill in patient-specific information (de-identified)
5. Set SMART goals - Define measurable short and long-term goals
6. Specify interventions - Evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological
7. Create timeline - Schedule appointments, milestones, reassessments
8. Define monitoring - Outcome measures, assessment frequency
9. Validate completeness - python check_completeness.py plan.tex
10. Quality check - python validate_treatment_plan.py plan.tex
11. Review quality checklist - Compare to quality_checklist.md
12. Generate PDF - pdflatex plan.tex
13. Review with patient - Shared decision-making, confirm understanding
14. Implement and document - Execute plan, track progress in clinical notes
15. Reassess and modify - Adjust plan based on outcomes

Multidisciplinary Care Plan Workflow

1. Identify team members - PCP, specialists, therapists, case manager
2. Create base plan - Generate template for primary condition
3. Add specialty sections - Integrate consultant recommendations
4. Coordinate goals - Ensure alignment across disciplines
5. Define communication - Team meeting schedule, documentation sharing
6. Assign responsibilities - Clarify who manages each intervention
7. Create care timeline - Coordinate appointments across providers
8. Share plan - Distribute to all team members and patient
9. Track collectively - Shared monitoring and outcome tracking
10. Regular team review - Adjust plan collaboratively

Best Practices

Patient-Centered Care

✓ Involve patients in goal-setting and decision-making
✓ Respect cultural beliefs and language preferences
✓ Address health literacy with appropriate language
✓ Align plan with patient values and life circumstances
✓ Support patient activation and self-management

Evidence-Based Practice

✓ Follow current clinical practice guidelines
✓ Use interventions with proven efficacy
✓ Incorporate quality measures (HEDIS, CMS)
✓ Avoid low-value or ineffective interventions
✓ Update plans based on emerging evidence

Regulatory Compliance

✓ De-identify per HIPAA Safe Harbor method (18 identifiers)
✓ Document medical necessity for billing support
✓ Include informed consent documentation
✓ Sign and date all treatment plans
✓ Maintain professional documentation standards

Quality Documentation

✓ Complete all required sections
✓ Use clear, professional medical language
✓ Include specific, measurable goals
✓ Specify exact medications (dose, route, frequency)
✓ Define monitoring parameters and frequency
✓ Address safety and risk mitigation

Care Coordination

✓ Communicate plan to entire care team
✓ Define roles and responsibilities
✓ Coordinate across care settings
✓ Integrate specialist recommendations
✓ Plan for care transitions

Integration with Other Skills

Clinical Reports

• SOAP Notes: Document treatment plan implementation and progress
• H&P Documents: Initial assessment informs treatment planning
• Discharge Summaries: Summarize treatment plan execution
• Progress Notes: Track goal achievement and plan modifications

Scientific Writing

• Citation Management: Reference clinical practice guidelines
• Literature Review: Understand evidence base for interventions
• Research Lookup: Find current treatment recommendations

Research

• Research Grants: Treatment protocols for clinical trials
• Clinical Trial Reports: Document trial interventions

Clinical Practice Guidelines

Treatment plans should align with evidence-based guidelines:

General Medicine

• American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care
• ACC/AHA Cardiovascular Guidelines
• GOLD COPD Guidelines
• JNC-8 Hypertension Guidelines
• KDIGO Chronic Kidney Disease Guidelines

Rehabilitation

• APTA Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines
• AOTA Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines
• AHA/AACVPR Cardiac Rehabilitation Guidelines
• Stroke Rehabilitation Best Practices

Mental Health

• APA (American Psychiatric Association) Practice Guidelines
• VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines for Mental Health
• NICE Guidelines (UK)
• Evidence-based psychotherapy protocols (CBT, DBT, ACT)

Pain Management

• CDC Opioid Prescribing Guidelines
• AAPM (American Academy of Pain Medicine) Guidelines
• WHO Analgesic Ladder
• Multimodal Analgesia Best Practices

Perioperative Care

• ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) Society Guidelines
• ASA Perioperative Guidelines
• SCIP (Surgical Care Improvement Project) Measures

Professional Standards

Documentation Requirements

• Complete and accurate patient information
• Clear diagnosis with appropriate ICD-10 coding
• Evidence-based interventions
• Measurable goals and outcomes
• Defined monitoring and follow-up
• Provider signature, credentials, and date

Medical Necessity

Treatment plans must demonstrate:

• Medical appropriateness of interventions
• Alignment with diagnosis and severity
• Evidence supporting treatment choices
• Expected outcomes and benefit
• Frequency and duration justification

Legal Considerations

• Informed consent documentation
• Patient understanding and agreement
• Risk disclosure and mitigation
• Professional liability protection
• Compliance with state/federal regulations

Support and Resources

Getting Help

1. Check reference files - Comprehensive guidance in references/ directory
2. Review templates - See example structures in assets/ directory
3. Run validation scripts - Identify issues with automated tools
4. Consult SKILL.md - Detailed documentation and best practices
5. Review quality checklist - Ensure all quality criteria met

External Resources

• Clinical practice guidelines from specialty societies
• UpToDate and DynaMed for treatment recommendations
• AHRQ Effective Health Care Program
• Cochrane Library for intervention evidence
• CMS Quality Measures and HEDIS specifications
• HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set)

Professional Organizations

• American Medical Association (AMA)
• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
• Specialty society guidelines (ADA, ACC, AHA, APA, etc.)
• Joint Commission standards
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right template?

Match the template to your primary clinical focus:

• Chronic medical conditions → general_medical or chronic_disease
• Post-surgery or injury → rehabilitation or perioperative
• Psychiatric conditions → mental_health
• Pain as primary issue → pain_management

What if my patient has multiple conditions?

Use the chronic_disease_management_plan.tex template for complex multimorbidity, or choose the template for the primary condition and add sections for comorbidities.

How often should treatment plans be updated?

• Initial creation: At diagnosis or treatment initiation
• Regular updates: Every 3-6 months for chronic conditions
• Significant changes: When goals are met or treatment is modified
• Annual review: Minimum for all chronic disease plans

Can I modify the LaTeX templates?

Yes! Templates are designed to be customized. Modify sections, add specialty-specific content, or adjust formatting to meet your needs.

How do I ensure HIPAA compliance?

• Remove all 18 HIPAA identifiers (see Safe Harbor method)
• Use age ranges instead of exact ages (e.g., "60-65" not "63")
• Remove specific dates, use relative timelines
• Omit geographic identifiers smaller than state
• Use check_deidentification.py script from clinical-reports skill

What if validation scripts find issues?

Review the specific issues identified, consult reference files for guidance, and revise the plan accordingly. Common issues include:

• Missing required sections
• Goals not meeting SMART criteria
• Insufficient monitoring parameters
• Incomplete medication information

License

Part of the Claude Scientific Writer project. See main LICENSE file.

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For detailed documentation, see SKILL.md. For issues or questions, consult the comprehensive reference files in the references/ directory.