Co-Design and Feasibility Testing of an AI-Based Virtual Reality Application to Prepare People with Intellectual Disability for Healthcare Visits
Saved in:
| Title: | Co-Design and Feasibility Testing of an AI-Based Virtual Reality Application to Prepare People with Intellectual Disability for Healthcare Visits |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Stefan C. Michalski (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2026 39(2). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Computer Simulation, Artificial Intelligence, Intellectual Disability, Health Services, Access to Health Care, Adults, Usability |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jar.70219 |
| ISSN: | 1360-2322 1468-3148 |
| Abstract: | Background: People with intellectual disability experience barriers in accessing healthcare. A virtual reality (VR) application that includes an intelligent agent powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI) may support preparation for healthcare visits in this population. Objective: To co-design, develop and evaluate the feasibility and usability of an AI-based VR application to improve healthcare preparedness for people with intellectual disability. Methods: Ten adults with intellectual disability completed an AI-VR experience simulating a general practitioner visit across three sequential scenes: checking in with a receptionist, waiting in a clinic waiting room, and consulting with a doctor. Participants interacted verbally with AI avatars. Semi-structured interviews followed each scene. Results: Participants valued the avatars' clear, patient communication and described the system as supportive for learning healthcare content and practising communication and self-advocacy skills. Usability issues were identified. Conclusion: AI-VR appears feasible and acceptable for healthcare preparation in people with intellectual disability. Refinements to system usability are needed to support independent use and broader implementation. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1504076 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: People with intellectual disability experience barriers in accessing healthcare. A virtual reality (VR) application that includes an intelligent agent powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI) may support preparation for healthcare visits in this population. Objective: To co-design, develop and evaluate the feasibility and usability of an AI-based VR application to improve healthcare preparedness for people with intellectual disability. Methods: Ten adults with intellectual disability completed an AI-VR experience simulating a general practitioner visit across three sequential scenes: checking in with a receptionist, waiting in a clinic waiting room, and consulting with a doctor. Participants interacted verbally with AI avatars. Semi-structured interviews followed each scene. Results: Participants valued the avatars' clear, patient communication and described the system as supportive for learning healthcare content and practising communication and self-advocacy skills. Usability issues were identified. Conclusion: AI-VR appears feasible and acceptable for healthcare preparation in people with intellectual disability. Refinements to system usability are needed to support independent use and broader implementation. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1360-2322 1468-3148 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jar.70219 |
