Designing Patient-Friendly Messages: A Human-Centered Approach with AI Considerations

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Center for Innovation to Implementation have developed a tutorial on designing patient-friendly messages that align with self-determination theory (SDT) and incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) considerations. The study emphasizes the importance of involving patients in the development of message content to promote evidence-based treatment opportunities and improve health outcomes. By utilizing a human-centered design approach, researchers aim to simplify complex medical information and address AI concerns related to privacy, transparency, and fairness.

Key Takeaways:

  • Patient messaging technologies, such as web-based platforms, patient portals, mobile apps, and SMS text messaging, can provide treatment information and recommendations through AI-crafted messages.
  • A human-centered design approach, grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), is essential for developing patient-friendly messages that promote autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
  • The tutorial outlines a step-by-step process for developing messages that enhance readability and clarity, including involving patient engagement boards early in messaging framing and modality selection.
  • Strategies for collaborating with patient partners to tailor messages to specific populations and incorporate continual feedback mechanisms are also recommended.
  • The human interaction in patient-facing messages should be prioritized to address AI concerns related to privacy, transparency, and fairness.
  • The research aims to enhance patient messaging content and improve uptake of evidence-based treatments, while also guiding multidisciplinary research and design teams to build patient-centered health messages.

Statistics:

  • A human-centered design approach is essential for developing patient-friendly messages that promote autonomy, competence, and relatedness (Center for Innovation to Implementation, 2025).
  • Patient messaging technologies can provide treatment information and recommendations to patients through AI-crafted messages (Center for Innovation to Implementation, 2025).
  • The tutorial aims to simplify complex medical information and promote understanding of treatment opportunities that can improve health outcomes (Center for Innovation to Implementation, 2025).

Sources:

  • Center for Innovation to Implementation. (2025). Designing Patient-Friendly Messages: Tutorial on Applying Human-Centered, Self-Determination Theory With AI Considerations. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 27.
  • Journal of Medical Internet Research. (2025). Journal of Medical Internet Research. Jmir Publications, Inc, 130 Queens Quay East, Unit 1100, Toronto, On M5A 0P6, Canada.
  • Center for Innovation to Implementation. Contact Sarah J. Javier, Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States.