Use AI to draft a clear, respectful message asking a colleague to change their referral workflow.

Sometimes you need to request a process change from another provider — maybe a specialist who's sending incomplete consult notes, or a colleague whose referral format creates extra work for your team. These conversations can feel awkward, especially when you want to stay collegial. AI can help you draft a diplomatic message that's direct but not accusatory, and frames the request as a shared goal rather than criticism. 1. Open ChatGPT or Claude and describe the situation in plain terms: who you're writing to, what workflow issue you're seeing, and what you'd like them to do differently. Be specific about the impact on patient care or team efficiency. 2. Ask the AI to draft a short, respectful email that acknowledges their workload, explains the challenge you're facing, and makes a clear, reasonable request. Tell it to keep the tone collaborative and avoid sounding critical. 3. Review the draft and adjust the tone or details to match your relationship with this person. Add a specific example if it helps, and make sure the request is actionable and realistic. 4. Before sending, read it out loud or have a trusted colleague review it to ensure it lands the way you intend. Remember: AI helps you organize your thoughts and find the right words, but you're the one who knows the relationship and context best. Always review and adjust before hitting send.

February 18, 2026