Exploring Artificial Intelligence applications and considerations in Patient Health Education

The RBC Patient and Family Learning Space (PFLS) at CAMH provides free mental health, substance use, and recovery information to patients, families, caregivers, and the public. PFLS offers workshops, webinars, easy-to-understand health information, and help with navigating the mental health system. It operates both as a physical space and an online learning hub, working with CAMH teams and community partners to improve access to information and reduce barriers related to health literacy and social factors.

As PFLS grows, there is a need to improve how educational materials are created, updated, and shared. Right now, many processes—such as making information easy to understand, translating materials into different languages, and adapting content into formats like videos or audio—are done manually. This takes significant time and staff effort, and makes it harder to keep materials current and accessible to diverse communities.

This summer project will support PFLS to develop and test new, improved ways to create and share mental health education materials, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. AI can help translate content, adapt materials into plain language, and create different formats more efficiently. However, careful review is needed to ensure information remains accurate, culturally appropriate, and trustworthy.

The project will be carried out by two interns, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in public health, mental health education, knowledge translation, and emerging digital tools. Under supervision, interns will help review existing materials, explore AI tools, and contribute to developing clear guidelines and workflows. This project will strengthen PFLS’s ability to provide high-quality, accessible education while also building workforce capacity and supporting the next generation of public health professionals.

Faculty Supervisor:

Lori Ross

Student:

Partner:

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program: