5thPort’s AI Avatar Patient Education Videos Impress Radiation Oncologists with Pilot Results | 5thPort
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AI Avatar Videos Enhance Patient Education in Radiation Oncology
A recent study from ChristianaCare's Radiation Oncology department, in collaboration with 5thPort, explored the effectiveness of AI avatar-based educational videos in improving patient understanding and engagement. Published in the journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the research assesses the impact of AI-driven digital engagements on patient education prior to consultations.
In the study titled "A Pilot Study Incorporating AI-Based Avatar Digital Engagements for Patients in a Community Radiation Oncology Practice," 956 patients were part of a pilot program designed to enhance pre-consultation preparation. This initiative involved the use of personalized AI avatar videos, which feature tailored scripts and illustrations, and multiple-choice teach-back quizzes. The patients were divided into two groups, with one receiving standard ASTRO educational videos and the other provided with AI avatar videos specific to their physician.
The platform developed by 5thPort facilitated the dissemination of content, collection of patient responses, and tracking of engagement completion. Of the participants, 91% completed the digital engagements, allowing radiation oncologists to review patient responses prior to face-to-face meetings.
The outcomes indicated a notable improvement in patient-reported scores related to their understanding and empowerment after viewing the AI avatar videos. The cohort that received these videos reported average scores of 4.64 and 4.65 (out of 5) in terms of understanding and empowerment, compared to 4.49 and 4.44 from the ASTRO video group. The results achieved statistical significance, indicating the effectiveness of the AI avatar videos. Participants valued interacting with an AI-generated avatar representing their treating physician before their in-person meeting.
Navroze Eduljee, CEO of 5thPort and co-author of the study, emphasized the benefits of digital engagements as a tool to enhance patient education and understanding before consultations. Dr. Gaurav Shukla, a Radiation Oncologist at ChristianaCare and co-author, noted that this approach can inform clinicians' in-person discussions by providing insight into patient comprehension.
The findings of this pilot study point towards the potential role of AI-enhanced educational tools in patient engagement strategies, a subject that 5thPort aims to explore further in broader patient settings. This initiative represents a significant advancement towards integrating digital education within oncology care to empower patients effectively.