Co‐Design and Feasibility Testing of an AI ‐Based Virtual Reality Application to Prepare People With Intellectual Disability for Healthcare Visits

ABSTRACT Background People with intellectual disability experience barriers in accessing healthcare. A virtual reality (VR) application that includes an intelligent agent powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI) may support preparation for healthcare visits in this population. Objective To co‐design, develop and evaluate the feasibility and usability of an AI‐based VR application to improve healthcare preparedness for people with intellectual disability. Methods Ten adults with intellectual disability completed an AI‐VR experience simulating a general practitioner visit across three sequential scenes: checking in with a receptionist, waiting in a clinic waiting room, and consulting with a doctor. Participants interacted verbally with AI avatars. Semi‐structured interviews followed each scene. Results Participants valued the avatars' clear, patient communication and described the system as supportive for learning healthcare content and practising communication and self‐advocacy skills. Usability issues were identified. Conclusion AI‐VR appears feasible and acceptable for healthcare preparation in people with intellectual disability. Refinements to system usability are needed to support independent use and broader implementation.