Abstract

Aim: Aphasia affects approximately one-third of stroke survivors, significantly impairing their ability to process written and verbal information. This creates barriers in surgical pathways where informed consent and patient-clinician communication are essential. Current solutions, such as static communication boards, are limited and lack adaptability. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that automatically converts standard medical text into an aphasia-friendly format to improve accessibility and patient understanding.
Method: We designed a prototype AI program that reformats conventional text into simplified language, guided by the Accessible Information Guidelines published by Stroke UK. To enhance comprehension, the tool integrates pictorial support by sourcing images from the Participics library (aphasia.ca/participics). The system was developed to generate aphasia-accessible documents such as patient information leaflets, perioperative instructions, and consent forms. Results: The prototype tool successfully converts medical text into aphasia-friendly versions with simplified language and contextual images. Text transformation occurs within 30 seconds, offering a time-efficient and standardised approach compared to manually producing easy-read documents. Although formal usability testing has not yet been conducted, the tool demonstrates proof-of-concept and feasibility for clinical application.
Conclusion: This AI-driven aphasia communication tool represents an early-stage innovation with the potential to improve perioperative communication and informed consent in patients with aphasia. A functional online prototype has already been developed, underscoring feasibility and readiness for future validation. Next steps will focus on clinician and patient testing, integration into surgical pathways, and evaluation of its impact on patient safety and autonomy.