Artificial intelligence generated visual communication improves comprehension and adherence in cervical cancer screening: a randomized controlled study
IF 4.1 2区 医学Q2 COMPUTER SCIENCE, INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Kldiashvili Ekaterina , Kaufmann Andreas Martin , Khuntsaria Irakli , Kekelia Elene , Abuladze Mariam
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Cervical cancer is preventable, yet poor comprehension of Pap smear results and non-adherence to follow-up major barriers, particularly in low health literacy settings. In Georgia, where screening coverage is below 20%, innovative communication strategies are needed. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers opportunities to strengthen patient communication through adaptive, emotionally expressive visual tools.
Objective
To evaluate whether AI-generated visual explanations, paired with simplified text, improve comprehension, satisfaction, and follow-up adherence after cervical cancer screening compared with conventional text reporting.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial enrolled 3,000 women aged 21–65 who underwent Pap smear testing between March and October 2024. Participants were randomized to three groups: Control (standard text), Text-only (enhanced plain-language text), and Intervention (AI-generated visuals plus text). Visuals were created with Craiyon, refined through expert and patient feedback, and aligned with Bethesda categories. Surveys assessed comprehension, satisfaction, and follow-up intent, while electronic records verified adherence. Analyses included chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis conformation for ordinal outcomes, and logistic regression for demographics and health literacy.
Results
The Intervention group achieved superior outcomes across all metrics. Comprehension reached 90 % versus 78 % in Text-only and 65 % in Control (χ2(2) = 131.8, p < 0.001). Satisfaction was 90 % in the Intervention group, compared with 78 % and 65 %. Follow-up adherence was 75 % with AI visuals, 65 % with Text-only, and 50 % with Control, corresponding to a threefold increase in odds of adherence (OR = 3.0; 95 % CI: 2.5–3.6; H(2) = 136.3, p < 0.001). Gains were most pronounced for abnormal results, including ASCUS, LSIL, and HSIL.
Conclusions
AI-generated visual communication significantly improved comprehension, satisfaction, and follow-up adherence in cervical cancer screening. This study demonstrates a scalable informatics solution for patient engagement, though challenges remain regarding long-term behavioral impact, cross-cultural adaptation, and integration into routine health information systems.
期刊介绍:
International Journal of Medical Informatics provides an international medium for dissemination of original results and interpretative reviews concerning the field of medical informatics. The Journal emphasizes the evaluation of systems in healthcare settings.
The scope of journal covers:
Information systems, including national or international registration systems, hospital information systems, departmental and/or physician''s office systems, document handling systems, electronic medical record systems, standardization, systems integration etc.;
Computer-aided medical decision support systems using heuristic, algorithmic and/or statistical methods as exemplified in decision theory, protocol development, artificial intelligence, etc.
Educational computer based programs pertaining to medical informatics or medicine in general;
Organizational, economic, social, clinical impact, ethical and cost-benefit aspects of IT applications in health care.