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summarize_findings

Generate a plain-language PICO summary from a PubMed abstract using a PMID to quickly understand key study findings.

Instructions

Generate a plain-language PICO summary of a PubMed abstract.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pmidYes

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes

Implementation Reference

  • server.py:38-41 (handler)
    The main handler function for the 'summarize_findings' tool. It fetches an abstract via get_abstract (PMID lookup) and returns a PICO summary (truncated to 1000 characters).
    async def summarize_findings(pmid: str) -> str:
        """Generate a plain-language PICO summary of a PubMed abstract."""
        abstract = await get_abstract(pmid)
        return f"PICO Summary for PMID {pmid}:\n\n{abstract[:1000]}..."
  • server.py:37-37 (registration)
    The @mcp.tool() decorator registers 'summarize_findings' as an MCP tool via the FastMCP framework.
    @mcp.tool()
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description bears full responsibility for behavioral disclosure. It only states the basic function without mentioning any side effects, access requirements, or limitations (e.g., rate limits, caching). This is a significant gap for a tool that likely performs processing.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose without extraneous words. It is front-loaded with the core action and subject.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple tool with one parameter, the description provides the essential information. However, since an output schema exists (not shown), mentioning the output structure (e.g., PICO elements) would improve completeness. As is, it is adequate but not fully detailed.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The single parameter 'pmid' is self-explanatory, and the schema coverage is 0% but the description adds no extra meaning. A higher score would require clarifying what constitutes a valid PMID or how to find it, which the description omits.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('Generate a plain-language PICO summary'), the subject ('PubMed abstract'), and the format ('plain-language PICO'). It distinguishes the tool from siblings (e.g., get_abstract, search_pubmed) by specifying the summary generation purpose.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage (when a plain-language summary of a PubMed abstract is needed) but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus siblings like get_abstract or find_reviews. No when-not-to-use or alternative suggestions are given.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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