Why We Need Patients and Community at the Center of AI Health Communication Research.

Ayre, Julie; Shao, Lexuan; Dunn, Adam G · J Med Internet Res · 2026

other · Level V

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Abstract

Holderried and colleagues tested whether artificial intelligence (AI)-generated, patient-centered information can help people understand what they need to do after being discharged from a hospital. Participants demonstrated stronger comprehension when they viewed the simplified, patient-centered information rather than a standard letter. This work adds to the available early-phase evidence of AI supporting hospital discharge communication. To meaningfully progress this area of research, we now need to carefully consider how to enhance the design and evaluation of patient-facing AI health communication tools. In this commentary, we argue that equity and consumer engagement remain underrepresented in studies on patient-facing AI health communication tools and describe possible approaches to address this issue.

Medical subject headings