Infographic Copy Skill

Transform research and knowledge base material into information-dense infographic copy—clear, scannable, authoritative, reference-worthy.

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When to Use This Skill

Use when you have:

• Clinical algorithms or decision trees to visualize
• Comparison data (drug vs drug, treatment options)
• Patient preparation guides or checklists
• Trial results that need single-image presentation
• Myth vs truth content
• Process workflows (how to start a medication, what happens during a procedure)

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How Infographics Differ from Carousels

Aspect	Carousel	Infographic
Consumption	Swipe through, narrative flow	Single image, scan and absorb
Density	One idea per slide	Multiple ideas, organized visually
Save behavior	Save whole carousel	Screenshot, reference later
Purpose	Engagement, education journey	Quick reference, decision support
Copy length	≤15 words per slide	Tighter—≤8 words per bullet

Key insight: Infographics are saved, screenshotted, and returned to. Write for the second and third viewing, not just the first.

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Voice Calibration for Infographics

More Compressed, Same Authority

Infographic copy is even tighter than carousel copy. Every word must earn its place.

Target:

"SGLT2i: 26% reduction in HF hospitalization. Start if EF ≤40%."

Not:

"SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce heart failure hospitalization 
by 26% and should be considered in patients with EF ≤40%."

Noun-heavy, Verb-light

Infographics favor noun phrases over full sentences:

Full Sentence	Infographic Style
"You should avoid caffeine before the test"	"Avoid caffeine 24h before"
"The medication reduces cholesterol levels"	"LDL reduction: 30-50%"
"Patients often experience muscle pain"	"Muscle pain: 5-10% of patients"

Authority Through Precision

In infographics, authority comes from precision, not from "I" statements:

• Specific numbers > general claims
• Trial names > "studies show"
• Dosing details > "as prescribed"

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Knowledge Base → Infographic Copy Transformation

Step 1: Identify the Infographic Type

Your Content	Best Template
Single striking statistic	infographic-hero
Multiple related facts/sections	infographic-dense
Two options to compare	infographic-comparison
Misconception to correct	infographic-myth
Sequential steps	infographic-process
Patient prep or to-do list	infographic-checklist

Step 2: Extract and Compress

For each piece of information, ask:

1. What is the core fact? (3-5 words)
2. What context is essential? (3-5 words)
3. What can be cut without losing meaning?

Compression Examples:

Original	Compressed
"Patients should discontinue aspirin 7 days before the procedure if instructed by their physician"	"Stop aspirin 7 days before (if advised)"
"Blood pressure should be measured in a seated position after 5 minutes of rest"	"BP: seated, after 5 min rest"
"The PARADIGM-HF trial demonstrated a 20% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular mortality"	"CV mortality: ↓20% (PARADIGM-HF)"

Step 3: Organize for Scanning

Readers scan infographics in predictable patterns:

• Top to bottom (hierarchy)
• Left to right (comparisons)
• Center outward (hero stats)

Place the most important information where eyes land first.

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Copy Patterns by Infographic Type

HERO (Single Stat)

Purpose: One memorable number that tells the story.

Copy Elements:

STAT:     [Number + unit]     →  "26%"
LABEL:    [What it measures]  →  "Mortality Reduction"
CONTEXT:  [Technical detail]  →  "HR 0.74 (95% CI 0.65-0.85)"
SOURCE:   [Trial/study]       →  "PARADIGM-HF Trial"
TAG:      [Category label]    →  "LANDMARK TRIAL"

Writing the label:

• Outcome-focused: "Mortality Reduction" not "Primary Endpoint Result"
• Patient-relevant: "Fewer Hospitalizations" not "Reduced Hospitalization Rate"
• Active when possible: "Risk Reduction" not "Reduced Risk"

Context line options:

• Hazard ratio with CI: HR 0.74 (95% CI 0.65-0.85)
• NNT: NNT: 21 over 18 months
• Absolute risk: ARR: 4.7%
• vs comparator: vs placebo

DENSE (Multi-Section)

Purpose: Multiple related points, organized by theme.

Copy Elements:

TAG:      [Category]          →  "PATIENT GUIDE"
TITLE:    [Main topic]        →  "SGLT2 Inhibitor Initiation"
SUBTITLE: [Scope/audience]    →  "For HFrEF patients"

SECTION 1:
  TITLE:  [Section name]      →  "Who qualifies"
  BULLETS: [2-4 short items]  →  • EF ≤40%
                                 • Stable on current therapy
                                 • eGFR ≥20

SECTION 2:
  TITLE:  [Section name]      →  "Red flags to monitor"
  BULLETS: [2-4 short items]  →  • Volume depletion
                                 • Acute kidney injury
                                 • Ketoacidosis (rare)

CALLOUT:  [Key takeaway]      →  "Start low, monitor at 2 weeks"

Bullet writing rules:

• Start with noun or verb
• ≤8 words per bullet
• Parallel structure (all start same way)
• No periods at end

Section title patterns:

• Question format: "Who qualifies?"
• Category format: "Monitoring Parameters"
• Action format: "Before Starting"

COMPARISON

Purpose: Side-by-side evaluation of two options.

Copy Elements:

TAG:      [Category]          →  "TREATMENT CHOICE"
TITLE:    [What's being compared] →  "ACE-I vs ARB in Heart Failure"

LEFT SIDE:
  LABEL:      [Option name]   →  "ACE Inhibitors"
  STAT:       [Key number]    →  "31%"
  STAT LABEL: [What stat means] → "Mortality Reduction"
  BULLETS:    [Differentiators] → • First-line therapy
                                  • More cough (10-15%)
                                  • Proven in CONSENSUS, SOLVD

RIGHT SIDE:
  LABEL:      [Option name]   →  "ARBs"
  STAT:       [Key number]    →  "Similar"
  STAT LABEL: [What stat means] → "Mortality Reduction"
  BULLETS:    [Differentiators] → • ACE-I intolerant patients
                                  • Better tolerated
                                  • Val-HeFT, CHARM trials

SOURCE:   [Evidence base]     →  "ESC Guidelines 2023"

Comparison writing rules:

• Keep sides parallel (same number of bullets)
• Lead with differentiators, not similarities
• Be fair—don't strawman one side
• Include when to choose each

MYTH

Purpose: Correct a specific misconception with evidence.

Copy Elements:

TAG:      [Category]          →  "MYTH BUSTED"
TITLE:    [The misconception] →  "Statins cause permanent muscle damage"

MYTH:
  TEXT:   [State belief as held] → "Taking statins will give you 
                                    severe muscle problems"

TRUTH:
  TEXT:   [Direct correction]    → "Muscle symptoms affect 5-10%. 
                                    Reversible. Most continue therapy."

EVIDENCE: [Supporting data]      → "Meta-analysis of 19 RCTs, n=71,000"
SOURCE:   [Citation]             → "Lancet 2022"

Myth statement rules:

• Write the myth as believers state it
• Don't strawman or exaggerate the myth
• Use quotation marks to signal "this is what people think"

Truth statement rules:

• Lead with the correction
• Include the key number
• End with reassurance or action

PROCESS (Steps/Flow)

Purpose: Sequential actions or algorithm.

Copy Elements:

TAG:      [Category]          →  "CLINICAL ALGORITHM"
TITLE:    [Process name]      →  "Starting Beta-Blockers in HF"
SUBTITLE: [Context]           →  "Initiation and uptitration"

STEP 1:
  TITLE:       [Action verb]  →  "Confirm stability"
  DESCRIPTION: [Details]      →  "No IV diuretics in 48h, no recent 
                                  decompensation"

STEP 2:
  TITLE:       [Action verb]  →  "Start low"
  DESCRIPTION: [Details]      →  "Carvedilol 3.125mg BID or 
                                  Metoprolol succinate 12.5-25mg daily"

STEP 3:
  TITLE:       [Action verb]  →  "Uptitrate slowly"
  DESCRIPTION: [Details]      →  "Double dose every 2 weeks as tolerated"

NOTE:     [Important caveat]  →  "Hold uptitration if: HR <55, SBP <90, 
                                  worsening symptoms"

Step title rules:

• Start with verb
• 2-4 words max
• Action-oriented: "Check", "Start", "Monitor", "Adjust"

Description rules:

• Include the specific (dose, timing, threshold)
• One sentence or phrase fragments
• No fluff words

CHECKLIST

Purpose: Actionable to-do list, often for patients.

Copy Elements:

TAG:      [Category]          →  "PATIENT CHECKLIST"
TITLE:    [What it's for]     →  "Before Your Angiogram"
SUBTITLE: [Additional context] → "Day-of preparation"

CATEGORY 1:
  TITLE:  [Timeframe/theme]   →  "24 Hours Before"
  ITEMS:
    - "Stop blood thinners (if instructed)"
    - "No food after midnight"
    - "Continue BP and heart medications"

CATEGORY 2:
  TITLE:  [Timeframe/theme]   →  "Morning Of"
  ITEMS:
    - "Bring medication list"
    - "Arrange transport home"
    - "Wear comfortable clothing"

CALLOUT:  [Critical warning]  →  "⚠ Tell staff immediately if: 
                                  chest pain, allergies, or recent illness"

Checklist item rules:

• Start with verb
• Specific and actionable
• Order by importance or timeline
• Include exceptions in parentheses

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Citation Placement in Infographics

Bottom Source Line (Default)

For most infographics, a single source line at the bottom:

Source: ACC/AHA Guidelines 2023

Inline After Stats

When multiple sources, cite inline:

Mortality: ↓26% (DAPA-HF)
Hospitalization: ↓25% (EMPEROR-Reduced)

Abbreviated Formats

Use standard abbreviations to save space:

• NEJM 2019 not New England Journal of Medicine, 2019
• ACC/AHA 2023 not American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines 2023
• n=8,000 not in a study of 8,000 patients

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Archetype Adaptation for Infographics

Same Information, Different Framing

Example: Beta-Blocker Initiation Process

For Clinicians/Biohackers (technical):

Title: Beta-Blocker Initiation in HFrEF
Steps: 
1. Confirm euvolemia (no IV diuretics 48h)
2. Start: Carvedilol 3.125mg BID or Metoprolol XL 12.5mg
3. Uptitrate q2 weeks to target dose
Note: Target HR 60-70, hold if SBP <90

For Heart Patients (practical):

Title: Starting Your Beta-Blocker
Steps:
1. Your doctor confirms you're stable
2. You start at a very low dose
3. Dose increases slowly over weeks
Note: Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy or too tired

For Caregivers (watchpoints):

Title: Beta-Blocker Monitoring Checklist
Categories:
Watch For:
  - Dizziness when standing
  - Unusual fatigue
  - Very slow pulse (<50)
What's Normal:
  - Some initial tiredness (improves)
  - Slightly lower energy at first
When to Call Doctor:
  - Shortness of breath worsens
  - Fainting or near-fainting

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Quality Checklist for Infographic Copy

• Title is scannable in 2 seconds
• Most important information is visually prominent
• Each bullet ≤8 words
• Parallel structure throughout
• Numbers are specific (not "significant" or "many")
• Source is clear and abbreviated
• No orphan information (everything belongs to a section)
• A patient could understand this without medical training
• A doctor would find this accurate and useful

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Common Infographic Copy Mistakes

Mistake	Example	Fix
Too wordy	"Patients should make sure to avoid eating..."	"No food after midnight"
Vague numbers	"Significant reduction"	"26% reduction"
Missing context	"Take with food"	"Take with food (reduces GI upset)"
Inconsistent format	Mix of sentences and fragments	Pick one style, stick to it
Buried key info	Important point in middle of list	Lead with most critical item
No hierarchy	All bullets same importance	Use callout for key point
Missing source	Stats without attribution	Add trial name or guideline

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Positioning in Infographic Copy

Unlike carousels (where "I" statements work), infographics signal expertise through:

Precision Markers

• Exact doses: "Carvedilol 3.125mg BID"
• Specific thresholds: "eGFR ≥20"
• Clinical ranges: "HR 0.74 (95% CI 0.65-0.85)"

Guideline Awareness

• "Per ESC 2023"
• "ACC/AHA Class I"
• "Guideline-directed"

Clinical Nuance

• "(if not contraindicated)"
• "in stable patients"
• "unless recent decompensation"

These signal "written by someone who actually prescribes this" without saying it.

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Example Transformation

Input: Knowledge Base Excerpt

Angiography Patient Preparation:

Pre-procedure:
- NPO after midnight for morning procedures
- Hold metformin 48h before if using contrast
- Continue aspirin unless directed otherwise
- Stop warfarin 5 days before, bridge with heparin if high-risk
- Arrive 2h before scheduled time

Day of:
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing
- Bring list of current medications
- Arrange transportation home (no driving for 24h)
- Inform staff of allergies, especially contrast or iodine

Post-procedure:
- Bed rest 2-6h depending on access site
- Monitor puncture site for bleeding
- Resume normal diet unless instructed otherwise
- Drink plenty of fluids to clear contrast

Output: Infographic Copy (Checklist Template)

TAG: PATIENT GUIDE

TITLE: Before Your Angiogram

SUBTITLE: Complete preparation checklist

CATEGORY 1: "48 Hours Before"
ITEMS:
  - "Stop metformin (if using)"
  - "Stop warfarin (if instructed)"
  - "Continue aspirin and BP meds"

CATEGORY 2: "Night Before"
ITEMS:
  - "No food after midnight"
  - "Water OK until 2h before"
  - "Confirm ride home arranged"

CATEGORY 3: "Morning Of"
ITEMS:
  - "Arrive 2 hours early"
  - "Bring medication list"
  - "Wear comfortable clothing"

CALLOUT: 
  ICON: warning
  TEXT: "Tell staff about: contrast allergies, kidney problems, 
         recent bleeding, or if you might be pregnant"

FOOTER: "Educational guide. Follow your doctor's specific instructions."

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Integration with Infographic Generator

This skill provides the copy. The infographic-generator skill handles visuals.

Workflow:

1. Research → Knowledge base
2. This skill: Knowledge base → Structured copy
3. Infographic generator: Structured copy → Visual output

Output format for handoff:

{
  "template": "infographic-checklist",
  "data": {
    "tag": "PATIENT GUIDE",
    "title": "Before Your Angiogram",
    "subtitle": "Complete preparation checklist",
    "categories": [
      {
        "title": "48 Hours Before",
        "items": [
          {"text": "Stop metformin (if using)"},
          {"text": "Stop warfarin (if instructed)"},
          {"text": "Continue aspirin and BP meds"}
        ]
      }
    ],
    "callout": {
      "icon": "warning",
      "text": "Tell staff about: contrast allergies, kidney problems, recent bleeding"
    }
  }
}

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Part of Dr. Shailesh Singh's Integrated Content OS