Work

Human interaction with a virtual assistant in preparation for in-hospital orthopedic consultation. A feasibility and acceptability study in older adults with osteoarthritis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of an avatar-based history taking tool for patients referred for knee or hip osteoarthritis. Methods: In a single Centre study patients referred for knee or hip osteoarthritis were asked to use an avatar-based history taking tool. The technical basis of this tool was formed by speech recognition (Google Dialogflow), a "rule-based" model and ChatGPT 3.5. To assess feasibility and acceptability patients filled in a modified version of the Artificial-Social-Agent Questionnaire afterwards, with supplemental open questions. Results: Of the 40 participating patients (median age 67 years, min: 47.3, max 87.5, 26 women), 36 (87.5 %) scored the digital conversation as natural, 33 (82.5 %) found the avatar easy to use, 31 (77.5 %) were open to using the avatar more often in the future, and 26 (65 %) found the conversation captivating. Conclusion: Avatar-based history taking is feasible and accepted by older patients seeking orthopedic care for knee or hip osteoarthritis.Innovation:Avatar-based history taking applications could be offered to patients who are referred for knee or hip osteoarthritis, before they have their face-to-face consultation with an orthopedic surgeon.

Source: PEC Innovation

DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2025.100446

Authors: Walter van der Weegen, Thomas Timmers, Maud Jacobs, Katja Saris, Sebastiaan A.W. van de Groes

Institutions: Radboud University Nijmegen, Radboud University Medical Center, St. Anna Ziekenhuis, Interactive Studios BV (Netherlands)

Language: English

Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education

Subfield: Health Informatics

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,790