Adaptive Templates allow you to customize the structure and style of your notes so they match your workflow. One of the most powerful ways to personalize your templates is by setting template preferences, which guide how Scribenote formats and writes your notes.
Preferences allow you to control tone, formatting, terminology, and what information should or should not be included in each section of your note. By adding clear instructions, you can ensure your notes are generated consistently and in the style that best fits your documentation needs.
You can find Preferences in the Adaptive Template editor. Within each template, there is a Preferences section located at the bottom of the editor where you can add instructions that guide how your notes are written and formatted.
The sections below outline common types of preferences you can use to customize your notes.
⚠️ We recommend using the Preview button to review the template output and ensure it meets your expectations before applying it to a note.
Tone
Tone
Tone preferences control the style and voice of your notes, including how concise or detailed they are and how findings are summarized.
Examples of tone instructions:
Be concise.
Be detailed.
Be verbose.
Summarize findings.
Write in the active voice.
Do not use pronouns.
Format
Format
Formatting preferences determine how information is structured and displayed, including layout, organization, and emphasis.
Examples of formatting instructions:
Write abnormals in all capitals.
Write in paragraph form.
Write in point form.
Write in point form using dashes.
Maintain formatting.
Use markdown formatting.
Only list the objectives mentioned.
List only abnormal objectives.
Bring abnormal findings to the top of the objective category.
Dictation
Dictation
Dictation preferences control the terminology, abbreviations, and phrasing used in your notes.
Examples of dictation instructions:
Use the following legend:
Nrm = normal
Abn = abnormal
N/A = not applicable
N/E = not examined
Occ = occasional
Write in medical terminology.
Write in layman's terms.
Use (f/c) units of measurement.
Use veterinary abbreviations.
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Preferences can also be used to have Scribenote assist with additional writing tasks based on the appointment transcript.
Examples include:
Write follow up recommendations based on the appointment.
Write differentials based on the appointment.
Create a detailed plan based on the information provided.
You can also ask Scribenote to generate additional summaries, such as:
Create a discharge summary with the following headings:
What to Do
What to Watch For
When to Follow Up
Or request a detailed client facing summary:
Create a detailed client facing summary of the transcript. Include all recommended diagnostics, any declined diagnostics, costs discussed or estimates given, and results discussed.
Content and Organization
Content and Organization
Content and organization preferences control what information is included in the note and how findings are categorized.
Examples of content instructions:
Include if the owner declined treatments.
If the patient is vomiting, list the following differentials: pancreatitis, foreign body, and gastroenteritis.
Include masses in the body system where they are found.
Include masses under the skin/integument category.
Include anal gland expression under rectal, under other, or at the end of the objective section.
Include all potential treatment options discussed with costs, even if declined. Indicate if declined.
For vaccines, include locations such as:
Rabies RH SQ 3y
DHPP/Lepto LH SQ 3y/1y
Lepto LH SQ 1y (if given alone)
Bordetella orally
Additional structure rules:
Do not include diagnoses in the Subjective section.
Do not include subjective information in the Objective section.
Only include exam findings in the Objective section.
Do not assume conditions.
Do not assume follow ups unless explicitly stated in the transcript.
Do not list recommendations unless discussed during the appointment.
Only use information found in the transcript.
If there are no findings, return “not mentioned”.
Do not repeat information.