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Adding patients past visits to current session
Adding patients past visits to current session

This article explores using Heidi's Context feature to provide the patients past history on their current visit.

Alex Stewart avatar
Written by Alex Stewart
Updated over a month ago

When conducting follow-up sessions, you may find it helpful to bring in context from a patient’s previous visit. Grouping sessions by patient in our roadmap to be built.

In the interim we have a great work around that allows you to review essential details and build on past assessments, enhancing continuity and clarity for each patient interaction.

Here’s how to add and use context from prior sessions effectively.


Steps to Add Context from Previous Visits

  1. Start a New Session:

    • Open a new session for the current visit with the patient.

  2. Locate and Copy Previous Notes:

    • Navigate to the patient’s prior session or transcript, and copy the relevant notes or information.

    • Choose key points or summary information from the last visit, especially details that might influence the current session.

  3. Add Contextual Notes in the New Session:

    • In the new session, paste the copied notes into the “Context” section, labelling them clearly. For instance, add a header like:
      “Context from Initial Visit on [Date]”.

    • This section should highlight the main observations, treatment plans, or follow-up actions from the last session without overwhelming the current session.

  4. Begin Transcription:

    • Start the session with a friendly introduction, such as:
      “Hi [Patient’s Name], it’s great to see you again. Let’s pick up from where we left off. How have things been since our last session?”

    • As you proceed, Heidi will incorporate the contextual notes you added, keeping past and present content distinct.

  5. Edit the Note Template (Optional):

    • To maintain clarity, edit the note template to reflect the use of context. For example, you can add a prompt at the top, such as:
      (Notes from previous session are included as context. Specific observations from the past session should be clearly noted.)

    • This customisation helps differentiate between past and present information, ensuring that the current session’s transcript is easily understandable.


Maximising Contextual Notes with Heidi’s Templates

You can use various templates to customise how past information is displayed in new sessions:

  • Build an Appropriate Template: Ask the AI to build a template like the Follow-Up Assessment or Psychiatric Progress Note for streamlined transitions between sessions, you can be very detailed in what you ask the tool to make.

  • Experiment with Voice Settings: Heidi offers options such as “Detailed” or “Super Detailed” modes. For instance, “Super Detailed” tends to states the date and details from past sessions, making it easier to keep past information distinct from new observations.

For more tips on customising your notes with templates, visit our Templates Academy explore our help centre for more useful tricks and tips.


By following these steps, you can ensure that each follow-up session builds on past visits in a clear and organised manner, giving both you and your patient a comprehensive view of their progress.

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