HybReDe – Effective joint hybrid e-rehabilitation solutions for BSR citizens

We are piloting an AI-based virtual assistant in rehabilitation processes

Duration of the project

1.3.2025. – 31.5.2028

Source of funding

Interreg Baltic Sea Region

Total funding

1 242 785 €

The project aims to improve the understanding and acceptance of AI-based virtual assistants (VAs) in public sector rehabilitation processes. This will be achieved by producing carefully designed VA demos, guidelines and descriptions of their requirements, piloted in real-life situations, and by helping target groups overcome their doubts about the use of AI in rehabilitation processes.

Rehabilitation processes are traditionally carried out face-to-face as an interaction between the therapist and the client, either remotely or on-site. The Europe-wide shortage of resources and workforce, increased mobility of people, and the need for international services have led to hybrid solutions in rehabilitation. However, hybrid rehabilitation faces acceptance issues among users and staff. AI-based virtual assistants could improve experiences, but their development is strictly regulated and requires a deep understanding of the rehabilitation field.

The HybReDe project pilots the use of large language models and generative AI in rehabilitation programs and e-systems. This is referred to as a virtual assistant (VA) in the project. The goal of the project is to create a model for integrating, deploying, and piloting VA services in hybrid rehabilitation solutions and processes, thereby increasing the acceptance and positive user experience of hybrid rehabilitation processes and methods among patients and rehabilitation staff. The project will result in a demo version of the VA and related guidelines, developed through pilots of rehabilitation practices and patient groups in three different countries.

Estonia, Finland, and Sweden were chosen as participating countries because the situation in producing e-rehabilitation solutions is almost at the same level, but the strengths of the rehabilitation systems are very different. For example, Estonia can implement agile technological solutions in rehabilitation services, Sweden has established multidisciplinary cooperation in implementing rehabilitation solutions, and in Finland, the major healthcare reform has accelerated the adoption of hybrid rehabilitation services. Poland brings the voice of countries taking their first steps in hybrid rehabilitation strategies and services to the project.

The project helps the rehabilitation sector improve its readiness to provide suitable solutions for the regulated public healthcare sector. Although the project focuses on rehabilitation, the results can be utilized in other healthcare sectors as well. Thus, in the future, people will have access to more timely healthcare services.