Image source: Teeside University
Academics from Teesside University’s centre for rehabilitation and conversational AI (Artificial Intelligence) specialist StoryFile have developed a fully interactive digital version of the widely used pain management resource, The Pain Toolkit.
Created by internationally renowned pain management expert Pete Moore, The Pain Toolkit is used by people who live with persistent pain and healthcare teams who support them.
And now, it has a new digital extension: ‘AI Pete’, which can interact with viewers, answer their questions about persistent pain and how it can be managed, and share ‘Pete’s’ first-hand experiences of living with it.
Specifically, AI Pete has been incorporated into the toolkit, which means users have a conversational interface to ask about the different tools available, like using patience, planning, relaxation and exercise.
The result, say the partners, is a free but highly interactive resource that may help millions living with persistent pain.
Launched in collaboration with Teesside University this Pain Awareness Month, AI Pete was trained by answering over 300 questions in a rigorous interview stage of the overall development process.
The AI recognises questions from viewers and plays the relevant response in real time, as in a discussion with a human, say the designers.
One of the AI Pete trainers has been living with persistent pain for more than 20 years.
“Living with persistent pain can feel very isolating,” said the 69 year old.
‘But this resource provides around-the-clock access to information, advice and support whenever it is needed, and that is a game changer.
“I know how much a tool like this would have helped me back in the day, so I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”
Project lead at Teesside, Denis Martin, professor of rehabilitation and director of the centre for rehabilitation at the university, said: “There are millions of people out there with persistent pain who will be able to take control of that aspect of their lives by engaging in a conversation like never before.
“It would be lovely for each and every one of them to have personal contact with Pete, but that’s not feasible.
“So, we’re using cutting-edge technology to find a way to bring Pete and his expert advice on self-management techniques to them.”
