Andrew Spiegel, Chair of the World Patients Alliance, opened the session by welcoming participants from across the globe. He outlined the importance of the series, noting WPA’s ongoing commitment to equipping patient organizations with practical digital tools. Andrew highlighted the use of an AI-powered multilingual platform that enabled real-time chat and audio interpretation in over 50 languages, ensuring broad accessibility and participation. He emphasized that the new AI training series would provide a clear path for organizations to responsibly adopt AI to enhance patient advocacy and health communication.

Ravi Ruparel, leading the first session with support from Agnieszka Druzgala of Platform Worldwide, introduced the urgency of AI adoption for patient groups. Ravi drew attention to the accelerating use of AI in healthcare, referencing data that shows 79% of healthcare organizations have already integrated some form of AI into their workflows. He shared that every $1 invested in AI is linked to a $3.20 return for healthcare organizations, underlining both the financial and operational benefits. Ravi explained how patients are increasingly using AI platforms as a first source of support, and why patient advocacy organizations must adapt quickly to keep pace.

The presenters took time to break down key AI concepts. Ravi explained, in clear terms, the difference between traditional software, generative AI, and agentic AI. He provided real-world stories, such as using ChatGPT to prepare for urgent medical appointments and to support caregiving. Agnieszka added context from the nonprofit world, explaining how AI is already helping patient groups automate newsletters, translate information, and develop content in multiple languages.

The session highlighted three main barriers facing patient organizations: inaccessible or scattered patient resources, lack of quality language support, and outdated digital platforms. Ravi and Agnieszka discussed how AI is being used to address these challenges by simplifying complex content, making health information more accessible for low-literacy or underserved communities, and managing campaigns more efficiently. They gave practical demonstrations of tools like AI-powered chatbots, audio conversion for the visually impaired, and campaign management apps.

Ravi and Agnieszka illustrated the impact of AI with recent examples. They described patient advocacy groups using AI to write policy briefs, grant proposals, and create educational explainers. Real-world stories were shared, such as leveraging AI avatars for animated videos and using advanced translation tools to break language barriers. The presenters offered a personal “AI Toolbox” of recommended platforms, including ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Canva AI, Synthesia, and ElevenLabs, and encouraged organizations to experiment with live prompts and campaign planning.

The discussion shifted to the ethical use of AI, with a clear set of do’s and don’ts for safeguarding patient data and avoiding bias. Ravi stressed that all sensitive AI-generated information should be validated by human experts, and that patient privacy must always be protected. The session also looked ahead to future trends, such as the growing use of agentic AI, predictive analytics, and stricter regulations around transparency and consent. Ravi invited organizations to begin with small experiments and gradually build AI capacity, reassuring the audience that technical expertise was not a barrier to starting.

Participants engaged actively through the chat, Q&A, and live demonstrations. The multilingual tools enabled broad participation, with questions and comments coming in from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The presenters challenged attendees to try at least one AI prompt this week related to their advocacy work and reflect on the results, fostering a sense of experimentation and learning.

Hussain Jafri, CEO of the World Patients Alliance, delivered closing remarks. He reinforced the importance of equipping patient organizations with the latest digital tools and encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming sessions of the AI training series. Hussain thanked the speakers and participants, highlighting WPA’s vision of using technology to amplify patient voices and improve health outcomes worldwide.

Andrew Spiegel returned to express gratitude to all contributors, emphasizing that collective learning and practical collaboration are essential for progress. He reminded participants that embracing AI thoughtfully can lead to meaningful improvements in advocacy and patient care.

The session concluded with a sense of unity and shared purpose, with WPA and Platform Worldwide committed to supporting patient organizations in their digital transformation journey. Participants left the event with practical tools, greater confidence, and a clear direction for integrating AI into their advocacy efforts.

The “Empowering Patient Advocacy with AI” series continues with two more practical and interactive webinars. Each session is designed to build your confidence and help your organization make effective use of AI tools for advocacy, communication, and impact.

The next webinar, Session 2: Practical AI Tools for Awareness, Operations and Fundraising, will take place on 24 September 2025. This session will focus on easy-to-use tools that can help you generate content, write grants, support fundraising, improve communication, and manage daily tasks more efficiently. Presenters will demonstrate real-world examples and guide participants step by step.

Session 3: Advanced AI Custom Tools, Advocacy Impact and Future Opportunities is scheduled for 24 November 2025. This advanced session will show you how to create custom solutions for your community using no-code platforms. It will cover the use of AI for policy work, media outreach, inclusive communication, and innovation always keeping ethics and equity at the centre.

Time: 8.00 AM ET | 1.00 PM UK | 2.00 PM CET | 5.30 PM IST | 10.00 PM AEST

Format: Each session includes a 30-minute live presentation followed by a 45-minute interactive session.

Access: Join via Zoom. One-time registration gives you access to all three training webinars.

Call to Action: Register for the entire series to ensure you do not miss out on any session. To watch the teaser video and sign up, please visit the WPA website or use the official registration link shared with this report.

We look forward to seeing you at the next webinar.