Artificial Intelligence Surgeons Avatars For Post-operative Patient Education: A Pilot Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: Generative AI and synthetic media have enabled realistic human Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs) or avatars. A subset of this technology replicates faces and voices to create hyper-realistic likenesses. When combined with avatars, these methods enable the creation of digital twins of physicians, offering patients scalable, 24/7 clinical communication beyond the hospital setting. This study evaluated surgical patient perceptions of an AI-generated surgeon avatar for postoperative education. METHODS: We conducted a pilot feasibility study with 30 plastic surgery patients at Mayo Clinic, USA (July-August 2025). A bespoke interactive surgeon avatar was developed in Python using the HeyGen platform to reproduce the surgeons likeness. Patients interacted with the avatar through natural voice queries, which were mapped to pre-recorded responses covering ten common postoperative topics. Patient perceptions were assessed using validated scales of usability, engagement, trust, eeriness, and realism, supplemented by qualitative feedback. RESULTS: The avatar system reliably answered 297 of 300 patient queries (99%). Usability was excellent (mean System Usability Scale score 877 [115]) and engagement high (mean 427 [023]). Trust was the highest-rated domain, with all participants (100%) finding the avatar trustworthy and its information believable. Eeriness was minimal (mean 157 [048]), and 967% found the avatar visually pleasing. Most participants (866%) recognized the avatar as their surgeon, although many still identified it as artificial; voice resemblance was less convincing (70%). Qualitative feedback highlighted clarity, efficiency, and convenience, while noting limitations in realism and conversational scope. CONCLUSION: The AI-generated physician avatar achieved high patient acceptance without triggering uncanny valley effects. Transparency about the synthetic nature of the technology enhanced, rather than diminished, trust. Familiarity with the physician and institutional credibility further mitigated discomfort. When implemented transparently and with appropriate safeguards, synthetic physician avatars may offer a scalable solution for postoperative education while preserving trust in clinical relationships. *Source: https://ps-rc.org/meeting/Program/2026/58.cgi*

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