AI avatars for healthcare are being developed at the University of Skövde

Language barriers and long waiting times make it difficult for many people to access the care they need. Now, doctoral student Ines Nikšić aims to develop AI avatars that can hold health consultations in multiple languages and reflect the diversity of society.

By developing AI avatars for health consultations, Ines Nikšić—a jubilee doctoral student at the University of Skövde—seeks to create digital solutions that make healthcare more accessible, inclusive, and equitable. Her project combines linguistics, AI, and healthcare technology to both ease the workload of healthcare professionals and provide patients with more personalised and meaningful encounters.

Co-creation for real impact

A key part of the project is studying individuals’ attitudes toward digital health consultations compared to traditional in-person meetings. Special attention is given to linguistic and cultural aspects, as well as the conditions of different age groups. Co-creation is an important principle in the development process, ensuring that users’ needs guide the design.

“When developing AI avatars for health consultations, it is crucial that they are accessible, meaningful, and representative of the diversity of society. In this way, we can create more equitable and inclusive healthcare,” says Ines Nikšić, jubilee doctoral student at the University of Skövde.

This text has been translated with the help of AI.