The Impact of Multi Modal AI Consultation Systems on Middle-Aged and Older Adults Experience in Accessing Health Information

With the evolution of digital health technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) consultation systems are increasingly applied to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of medical communication. This study explores how different interaction modes, specifically multimodal AI consultation systems (integrating text, audio, and pictures) versus traditional text-based self-service consultations, influence middle-aged and older adults' experiences in understanding cardiovascular health information. This study collected data from 120 participants aged 45 and above via a structured questionnaire. Four scales measured health information comprehension, trust, usability, and engagement. Compared to text-based interactions, multimodal AI consultations significantly enhanced engagement and trust, while differences in comprehension and usability were not statistically significant. Findings indicate that multimodal interaction enhances emotional engagement and perceived credibility, delivering a more humanized and trustworthy user experience. However, cognitive benefits may be limited when multiple information channels increase cognitive load. In conclusion, carefully designed multimodal AI systems hold significant potential for improving middle-aged and older adults' access to and acceptance of health information, particularly in managing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease.