Human-Computer Interaction and Artificial Intelligence: Advancing Care Through Extended Mind Theory

Artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality (MR), within human-computer interaction (HCI), are rapidly redefining areas of healthcare by introducing new approaches to patient care and clinical education. This editorial explores how these technologies, through Extended Mind Theory, enhance mental health treatment and medical training. AI-powered virtual therapists, using natural language processing and predictive analytics, provide accessible, personalized mental health support, allowing for remote and immersive therapy. In MR environments, patients with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or phobias can safely engage in therapeutic exercises, confronting fears in controlled, virtual settings. In clinical education, AI and MR deliver adaptive, immersive training tools that respond to individual needs, enabling repeated practice in a risk-free environment. These tools improve skills and build confidence by simulating high-stakes scenarios like emergency response, with HCI principles ensuring user-friendly and experiential learning. Ethical considerations, including data security and transparency, are essential as these tools integrate into healthcare. This blend of AI, MR, and HCI redefines healthcare boundaries, extending cognitive and emotional support into virtual spaces, enhancing both patient care and clinical training.