Optimization Tips & Common Questions

Optimization Tips & Common Questions

Based on consultant feedback, we’ve compiled solutions to common challenges and tips for maximizing the value of Ollama in your healthcare consulting work.

When to Use Ollama vs. Other AI Tools

Many consultants use multiple AI tools. Here’s when Ollama provides the most value:

Scenario	Recommended Tool	Reasoning
Working with confidential client data	Ollama	No data sharing outside Candesic’s infrastructure
Analyzing sensitive healthcare information	Ollama	Maintains client confidentiality
Accessing past Candesic project insights	Ollama	Contains institutional knowledge
Working with project-specific knowledge collections	Ollama	Customizable document libraries
General research with public information	ChatGPT/Copilot	May have more up-to-date general information
Quick answers during meetings	ChatGPT/Copilot	Can be faster for simple queries

Improving Response Quality

Many users noted that Ollama’s responses sometimes feel “robotic” or less refined than other AI tools. Here’s how to improve response quality:

Prompt Engineering Tips

1. Be specific with your requests: Instead of “Tell me about the German healthcare market,” use “Provide a structured analysis of the German outpatient care market including reimbursement flows, key corporate players, and consolidation trends.”

2. Specify output format: Add “Format this as bullet points suitable for inclusion in a client presentation” or “Structure this as a 2-page executive summary.”

3. Request natural language: Add “Present this information in a conversational, engaging style suitable for a client discussion.”

4. Use the CART framework:

   • Context: Provide relevant project background
   • Audience: Specify who will receive the output
   • Requirements: Define format, length, and style
   • Topic: Clearly articulate the healthcare subject focus

Example Prompt Transformation

❌ Weak prompt:

Tell me about the UK dental market.

✅ Strong prompt:

As a healthcare strategy consultant, create an executive summary of the UK private dental market, highlighting market size, key corporate groups, consolidation trends, and average practice valuations. Format this as a one-page briefing document for a PE investor evaluating dental group acquisitions.

Addressing Performance Issues

Some consultants reported performance and speed concerns. Here’s how to optimize performance:

1. Choose the right model: Use Llama 3.2 for routine tasks as it’s optimized for speed and multi-user environments.

2. Break complex tasks into steps: Instead of one massive query, use a step-by-step approach with focused questions.

3. Pre-prepare templates: Create and save effective prompts for reuse on common tasks.

4. Schedule intensive tasks strategically: For complex analyses, use Ollama during off-peak hours.

5. Optimize document handling: Break large documents into logical sections and ensure they’re in text-searchable format.

Maximizing Value for Consulting Work

Here are practical tips for integrating Ollama into your consulting workflow:

Literature Review & Research

• Batch upload multiple documents instead of processing them one by one
• Use specific queries like “Extract all market size estimates across these documents and compare them”
• Request structured outputs with headings and bullet points

Market Analysis

• Use web search capability for up-to-date information
• Create competitor profiles using consistent templates
• Generate comparison matrices of key market players

Meeting Summaries & Analysis

• Upload meeting transcripts or notes immediately after meetings
• Request organization by theme rather than chronology
• Ask for highlighted areas of uncertainty or conflicting information

Getting Support

If you’re experiencing technical difficulties or have questions about getting the most from Ollama:

1. Check the guides: Review the Prompt Building and Knowledge Collections guides
2. See practical examples: Explore the Consultant Use Cases and Case Studies
3. Contact the tech team: Reach out through the internal support channel for technical issues
4. Share feedback: Your experiences help us improve the platform

Remember that Ollama is continuously improving based on consultant feedback. If you discover effective techniques or prompts, please share them with the team.