Modify existing appointment details in Cliniko, including time, patient assignment, and notes, to maintain accurate scheduling records.
Update an existing appointment
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| appointment_id | Yes | Appointment ID | |
| starts_at | No | New start time (ISO 8601) | |
| notes | No | Updated notes | |
| patient_id | No | New patient ID |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.0.0Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description should disclose update behavior (e.g., partial vs full update, validation, return value). It only says 'update', leaving important behavioral traits unspecified.
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, concise sentence with no unnecessary words. It is appropriately sized and front-loaded.
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 tool has 4 parameters (1 required) and no output schema, the description fails to provide essential context about what fields get updated, error handling, or return values. It is insufficient for an AI agent to use correctly.
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?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the description doesn't need to add param details. It adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema already provides, earning the baseline score of 3.
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 tool updates an existing appointment, which distinguishes it from create and delete siblings. However, it doesn't specify which fields can be updated or differentiate from cancel_appointment.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives like cancel_appointment or create_appointment. No prerequisites or context provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.