Increased Patient Understanding and Actionability through Patient Friendly AI-Modified Discharge Instructions (AIM-DI)

This project aims to reduce post-discharge harm and hospital readmissions for older adults by using generative artificial intelligence to translate complex medical summaries into clear, actionable instructions (AIM-DI). The study follows a two-phase approach: first, facilitating a focus group of older adults who provide feedback on AIM-DI; and second, conducting a randomized cross-over trial with 70 participants to compare AIM-DI's clarity and actionability against standard discharge materials.

Principal Investigator

Andrew Baumgartner, MD (Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences)

UB Researchers

Sabrina Casucci, PhD, MBA (Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences)
Kelly Tenzek, PhD (Department of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences)
Raj Sharman, PhD (Department of Management Science and Systems, School of Management)
Ranjit Singh, MB BChir, MBA (Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences)
Robert Wahler, PharmD (Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Haowen Hsu, PharmD, MPH  (Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Funding Source and Dates

University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Translational Pilot Studies Program [12/11/2025 - 12/10/2026]

Abstract

The proposal includes the following expected outcomes: (i) A refined AIM-DI output informed by patient, and clinician input. (ii) Pilot evidence that AIM-DI improves clarity and actionability compared to standard discharge materials; and (iii) A preliminary understanding of the nature and degree of clinician oversight that would be required for real-world implementation.

These preliminary steps will inform the design of additional studies to more thoroughly evaluate the performance of the AIM-DI approach against traditional discharge summaries on important patient-oriented metrics, including those that will be assessed in Aim 2 as well as anticipated downstream effects such as readmissions and post-discharge complications for older adults.

Project Status

Active