The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare research has grown rapidly in recent years, with large language models (LLMs) now powering chatbots, note summarisation tools, and other innovations. Yet while these technologies hold enormous potential, their complexity can make it difficult for patients and the public to engage with research using AI.
A team of researchers from Queen Mary University of London, King’s College London, and Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) has addressed this challenge by developing a series of animated videos designed to demystify LLMs. The project, delivered in partnership with Social Action for Health – a community-based organisation working to tackle health inequalities – aims to promote AI literacy and empower people to participate meaningfully in healthcare research.
Over seven co-design sessions, community participants worked with researchers to develop scripts and storyboards, ensuring the content was clear, relevant, and engaging. The videos were produced by Really Bright Media and reviewed by public contributors to guarantee accessibility without oversimplifying the science.
Dr Elizabeth Ford, Associate Professor in Health Data Science at BSMS, said: "We wanted to make sure that everyone, not just technical experts, can understand how large language models are already shaping healthcare and research. By working closely with community members, we created resources that are genuinely accessible and empower people to have a voice in these conversations."
The videos cover both everyday uses of LLMs and their applications in healthcare research. They are now publicly available and designed to help people make informed decisions about AI in their care and contribute confidently to studies involving AI technologies.
The resources can be accessed here >