Cancel healthcare appointments in Cliniko by providing an appointment ID and optional cancellation reason to manage scheduling changes.
Cancel an appointment
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| appointment_id | Yes | Appointment ID | |
| cancellation_reason | No | Reason for cancellation |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.0.0Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits such as whether cancellation is reversible, what side effects occur, or required permissions. For a mutation tool, this is insufficient.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence, which is concise but omits important details that could be included without substantial length. It is minimally adequate but not optimized for value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of annotations and output schema, the description fails to provide sufficient context about the tool's effect, prerequisites, or post-conditions. For a cancellation tool, this is incomplete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already provides clear descriptions for both parameters (appointment_id and cancellation_reason), achieving 100% coverage. The tool description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema offers.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'cancel' and resource 'appointment', but does not differentiate from sibling tool 'delete_appointment', which likely has different semantics. This ambiguity lowers clarity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use cancel vs. other appointment management tools (e.g., delete_appointment). The description lacks context for decision-making.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.