Virtual Reality–Assisted AI chatbot for elderly patients in primary care: A digital health intervention to support self-management and care equity
Vildan MEVSIM, Gizem LIMNILI, Sude Nur KOMUR and Uzay Cevik KANTEKIN
Ageing populations and the growing burden of chronic diseases place increasing pressure on primary care services. Older adults often face barriers such as limited health literacy, reduced digital skills, mobility constraints, and fragmented follow-up, which may impair self-management and continuity of care. Innovative, user-friendly digital solutions are needed to support elderly patients while reducing general practitioner (GP) workload and promoting equitable access to care.To describe the development and intended functionality of a Virtual Reality (VR)–assisted artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot designed to support chronic disease self-management among elderly patients in primary care.This study presents the conceptual design and technological architecture of a VR-assisted AI chatbot developed for use in primary care settings. The system integrates three core components: (1) an AI chatbot that supports daily symptom reporting, medication reminders, and decision guidance; (2) a VR-based education module that delivers simplified, immersive health education tailored to elderly users; (3) a clinician dashboard that summarizes patient-reported data and flags potential risks. The design process was informed by anticipated needs of elderly patients and primary care clinicians, focusing on accessibility, simplicity, and low cognitive load. The system is intended to collect structured patient input and generate concise summaries for healthcare professionals, rather than replace clinical decision-making.The resulting platform enables daily remote monitoring, reinforces treatment adherence, and provides interactive education aimed at improving patient engagement and self-efficacy. From the clinician perspective, the system is designed to reduce administrative burden by filtering routine data and highlighting patients who may require active follow-up.Unlike conventional digital health tools, the integration of VR aims to overcome educational and motivational barriers commonly observed in older adults. The combination of AI-supported interaction and immersive education represents a novel approach within primary care–based chronic disease management.This VR-assisted AI chatbot represents a promising technological innovation to support elderly patients in primary care. By enhancing self-management and streamlining clinician workflows, the system has the potential to improve continuity, efficiency, and equity of care. Future studies will evaluate user experiences, clinical integration, and real-world impact.
